Malawi Fourth Country Report To the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Environmental Affairs Department Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment 6/30/2010

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Executive summary Malawi is a land locked country in Southern Africa, located between Mozambique to the East and South, Tanzania to the North and Zambia to the West. The population is estimated to be 13 million people with a growth rate of 2.2%. About 85% of the population is rural and the rest is urban. Thus, making Malawi the least urbanised country in Africa. The temperature ranges from 12 to 32 oC but can be as high as 38 oC in the Rift Valley. Rainfall can be as high as 00 in high rainfall areas and as low as 00 in the lower shire. The topography ranges from near sea level to 3000 metres above sea level. The topographical various couples with varied temperature and rainfall has supported a wide range of soil, vegetation, plants and animals.

(a) Overall status and trends in biodiversity, and major threats; Status and trends of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity Malawi’s diverse temperature, rainfall, soils and topography support a wide range of organisms. Malawi occupies about 0.06% of the world land area and has the world’s eighth largest fresh water body (Lake Malawi). Despite the small area, Malawi is one of the countries with rich fish diversity. It contributes about 14% of world fresh water fish and about 4% of world fishes. About 95% of Lake Malawi fish species are endemic to Malawi. Ninety-five percent of these species are haplochromine cichlids, which are internationally recognized as an outstanding example of rapid speciation, with a potential to provide greater insights into the understanding of the evolutionary process. Because of their sedentary habits, most of the cichlids rarely migrate long distances from their locality. This has created species endemic not only to the lake but to certain restricted areas within the lake. This aspect has led to adaptive speciation, which is more diverse than the finches of the Galapagos Islands. Malawi has two biosphere reserves, Mulanje Mountain and Lake Chilwa Wetland. Lake Chilwa also happens to be a wetland of international importance being a Ramsar site.

i) Terrestrial biodiversity Terrestrial biodiversity comprises terrestrial ecosystems, habitats and species within them. Terrestrial ecosystems are described based on major vegetation types. According to White’s classification, vegetation in Malawi may be perceived to comprise the following major vegetation types: i) Zambezian Woodland (Divided into miombo, mopane, and undifferentiated woodlands), ii) Transition woodland, iii) Deciduous forests and thickets, iv) Evergreen forest (subdivided into riparian, lowland, mid altitude and Afromontane rain forests), v) Undifferentiated Afromontane forests, such as Hagenia abyssinica forest, Juniperus procera forest, Widdringtonia whytei forest, vi) Afromontane Bamboo, vii) Afromontane evergreen bushland and thicket, viii) Afromontane shrubland. Most forests are found in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, Forest Reserves, and protected hill slopes, and natural woodland on customary land. Forests in Malawi are under severe threat of depletion. The total cover is estimated to be declining at the rate of 1.0 to

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2.8% annually due to deforestation for fuelwood, charcoal and settlements. For example, Forest Resource Mapping and Biomass Assessment of 1991 showed that in 1973, Brachystegia forests occupied 45% of total land area of Malawi (36.5% if Lake Malawi is included) while in 1990/91 land under forest cover was estimated to be 25.3 (20.5% if Lake Malawi is included). This indicates that land under Brachystegia forest reduced by 44% between 1972/73 and 1990/91 period. In 1998, Malawi had a total of 94 protected areas (comprising 85 Forest Reserves, 5 National Parks and four Wildife Reserves) and occupied a total of 1,869,974 Ha. Currently there are 88 forest reserves and together with national parks and wildlife reserves, they occupy about 2,018,198 Ha. This suggests that land under protected areas has increased by 148224 ha (8%). Currently about three forest reserves are proposed for protection and if approved by parliament this will bring the number of protected areas to about 100. Although there appear to be an increase in land under protected areas, there has been extensive encroachment into some forest reserves such as Thyolo, Ndilande, Kalwe, Zomba-Malosa. In addition the current list include some forest reserves that were degazetted. This means that the actual area under Protected Areas may be less than that reported in official documents. Terrestrial species such as plants, mammals, birds etc are also threatened by human activities. The most recent avian checklist gives 648 species comprising 456 residents, 94 intra-African migrants of regular occurrence, most of which probably breed in Malawi. A total of bird 9 species are listed in IUCN Red Data. Many of the biome-restricted species found in Malawi may be considered to be under conservation threat since their distribution in now restricted to a small number of sites. Approximately 6000 plant species have been recorded in Malawi. Of these only eleven have legal protection but this excludes the endangered Wildringtonia whytei, aloes and orchids. The National Red Data List identified 248 species of which 128 species are regarded as threatened. In addition, the Millennium Seed Bank Project undertook full conservation assessment of 63 species determined as having either the highest extinction threat, or as being data deficient. It was found out that 23 species can be classified as threatened based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Malawi has about 192 recorded mammal species of which the Black Rhinoceros is critically endangered. Two mammals (African Wild dogs and Ozungwe vlei rat) are classified as endangered whilst elephants, cheetah, lions and hippopotamus are classified as vulnerable. Eleven mammal species are near threatened. Black rhinos were locally extinct but these were reintroduced in Liwonde and Majete national Parks and its population is now estimated to be 15 (7 in Majete and 8 in Liwonde National Park). Conservation status of invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians is not well known. In general however, invertebrates are poorly studied and it is not surprising that despite the high number of insect species only one species is classified as critically endangered. ii) Aquatic biodiversity Aquatic ecosystems constitute about 22% of the total surface area of Malawi and most of these comprise the areas occupied by the four major lakes (Lakes Malawi, Malombe and Chilwa). There are four major types of aquatic ecosystems in Malawi: lakes, rivers, small water

iv bodies (e.g. lagoons) and other wetlands e.g. marshes and swamps. The 1998 (as part of the NBSAP process) ecosystems assessment observed significant human activity in wetlands leading to significant ecological transformation. There is significant degradation in the lakes Malawi, Malombe and Chilwa mainly due to sediment load, nutrient input, pollutants and contaminants. Malawi’s aquatic biodiversity is rich but most aquatic biodiversity groups with the exception of fish are poorly known. Fish is economically important to Malawi and also happens to be the most studied group. There are over 1000 species of fish in Malawi of which 800 are in Lake Malawi alone and contribute to about 14% of world fresh water fish. About 95% of Lake Malawi fish are endemic. Despite the high endemism no fish has been recorded to have gone extinct in Malawi although there have been records of some fish species being locally displaced from their original habitats. For example, Labeo mesops (ntchila) and Opsaridium microlepis (mpasa) are more abundant on Tanzanian and Mozambique side of Lake Malawi because of pristine environments and very little overfishing. Fish production declined from an estimated 70,000 metric tonnes to 50,000 metric tonnes between 1980 and 2000. Chambo alone declined to about 9,000 metric tonnes per year. This decline was due to overfishing, use of inappropriate fishing gear and pollution. Currently about 102 fish species are listed on IUCN Red Data List as endangered. The conservation status of the recorded 164 amphibian species cannot be determined with certainty. Despite this the IUCN Global Amphibians Assessment for Africa of 2002 recorded 37 threatened amphibian species from central and southern African. Of these 12 amphibians species are reported in Malawi. There are about 139 reptile species (crocodile, monitor lizard, terrapin and turtles) that are most closely associated with freshwater habitats in Malawi. The conservation status of reptiles is not known but it has been observed that crocodile populations are in the decline, mainly due to habitat competition with people. Hippopotamus and Otters are probably the only mammals that have a true affinity for aquatic habitats. Two species of otters are recorded in Malawi, the Cape Clawless ( Aonyx capensis ) and the spotted Necked ( Lutra maculocollis ). Both species are rare and are now listed in IUCN Red Data list as threatened. Agricultural biodiversity (the variability among animals, plants and microorganisms that are used or indirectly used for food and agriculture) are the main driving force of the agricultural sector and Malawi’s economy. It comprises the diversity of varieties and breeds used for food, fodder, fuel and pharmaceuticals and species that support production such as soil microorganisms and pollinators. In Malawi agrobiodiversity is viewed in terms of domesticated plants and animals. The agrobiodiversity is threatened by preference to high yielding exotic species, indiscriminate crossbreeding programmes, stock thefts and diseases. iii) Threats to biodiversity

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In general terms major threats affecting Malawi’s biodiversity may be placed into five groups; loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, over harvesting or over exploitation of natural resources, invasive species, pollution and climate change. Alternative land uses for urban development, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and mining have contributed to reduction or degradation of important habitats and ecosystems. A good example is the clearing of Kalwe Forest Reserve for the construction of the new Nkhata Bay District Hospital. High population and density also contribute to habitat fragmentation since more land is cleared for settlement and is in search for fertile land to increase food production. This directly contributed to reduction in forest cover from 44% to in 1970s to 28% in the 1990s. Thus as long as population growth rate remains high, pressure on land for settlement, agriculture and resource use will remain high and this will continue to exert pressure on the remaining habitats. Poverty is among the factors that force Malawian to over harvest natural resources. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world being listed 163 out of 174 in the United Nations Development Annual Report for the year 2009. About 52% of the 13 million people live below the poverty line whilst 22% live in dire poverty. About 90% of the population are forced by this low income base to trade-off long term sustainable resources for short term consumption of stocks since they depend entirely on the existing natural resource endowment for a living and other needs. Inadequate enforcement of the policies and inadequate pricing policy have also contributed to over exploitation of natural resources in Malawi. For example, Malawi timber has for the past decades been the cheapest in Southern Africa and this promoted uncontrolled and unsustainable harvesting of timber in Chikangawa Pine Plantation for export to neighbouring countries and beyond. Studies have shown that invasive alien species have caused various levels of damage to Malawi’s biodiversity. Central American mesquite ( Prosopis juliflora ) due to it allopathic educed growth, has overgrown and replaced indigenous vegetation in same parts of Lake Chilwa wetland (Swang’oma area). In was established also that cypress aphids killed exotic conifer trees worth over 40 million US dollars in the 1990s. Invasive alien fish especially Nile Tilapia if introduced in Lake Malawi have potential to hybridize with their relatives and this can lead to fish genetic erosion and collapse of endemic fish species. Introduction of alien fish into the Lake Malawi Basin is however prohibited by law. Pollution is considered to be one of the factors that threaten biodiversity. The existing data indicate that bush fires, dust gases and car exhaust fumes are major sources of atmospheric pollution in Malawi. However, the damage caused by pollution to biodiversity in Malawi has never been quantified. Finally, climate change also has potential to threatened biodiversity. With the projected 1-3oC in temperature water levels in all major lakes of Malawi may be reduced and thereby threatening fish biodiversity. The increase in temperature may also change species composition of some plants in favour of species better adapted to drier environmental conditions. Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns may lead to extinction of less resilient organisms of economic importance such as soil micro organisms and pollinators. A good example of the threat to biodiversity by climate change is the drying up of Lake Chilwa in 2001. Fish breeding site were affected and as a result Oreochromis shrinus were restocked

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with Lake Malawi genotypes. This suggests that the genetic diversity of the original Lake Chilwa genotypes may have changed. iv) Implication of biodiversity loss Malawi’s economy and human society is entirely dependent and based on the biological diversity and services provided by the ecosystems. Extrapolated from the contribution of biodiversity components to the national economy (the Gross Domestic Product) it has been proved that the biodiversity of Malawi is instrumental in providing sources of livelihood needs in form of food and fibre, fuel wood, medicine and shelter. The economy also depends on the use of biodiversity as sources of raw materials for agro-industrial development and exports. For example it has been estimated that the fisheries, tourism and forestry sector contribute between 1.5 and 4% toward GDP each. The economic value of ecosystems services (for nutrient recycling, provision of clean water and air, control micro environment and erosion) to the economy is difficult to estimate. These functions are important such that the value of ecosystem services to the Malawi may be more than the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Perhaps the most significant importance of biodiversity is it contribution to the well being of 90% of the Malawi population. The majority of Malawians depend on natural resource endowment for a living as sources of fuelwood, poles and timber, bamboo, crafts, thatching grass, medicines, spices, flowers, cosmetics, edible fruits, tubers, vegetables, mushrooms, fodder, and extractives (dyes, oils, gums, latex, resins). Grass is used extensively for thatching, especially in rural areas. Wood fuel (firewood and charcoal) remains the dominant source of energy accounting for approximately 90% of the household and industrial energy requirement. At the household level wood is also used for construction and furniture and joinery, and as a source of energy. This means that loss of biodiversity will have serious implications for the people who depend on them and any value cannot adequately convey the level of dependence on natural resources for the survival of the people. Habitat loss and degradation, and loss of species have an impact on the economy of Malawi in the sense that the Government of Malawi spends billion of dollars managing the effects of environmental degradation. For example degradation of Shire River catchment leads to clogging of electricity supply which leads to massive power cuts costing Malawi billion of dollars in maintenance and business failure. The Malawi Poverty and environment Initiative economic study estimated the cost of unsustainable use to be equivalent to giving up about 5.3% of GDP each year. Taking into consideration the MGDS aims for total annual GDP growth of 6%, MPEI Economic study report hypothesized that Malawi would have been richer by MK 27.1 billion (US$195 million) each year in 2007 prices if soil, forest, fishery and wildlife resources were used sustainably.

(b) Key actions taken in support of the Convention’s three objectives and to achieve the 2010 target and goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan of the Convention In response to the Rio agreements, Malawi in 1994 developed a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). The NEAP provides a framework for integrating environmental considerations into national economic and social development programmes and plans. To

vii implement the NEAP, Malawi in 1994-95 prepared the Environmental Support Programme (ESP) whose overall objective is to integrate environmental concerns into the socio-economic development of Malawi. The ESP provided a planning framework for the government’s activities and interventions in environment but only a few of the identified interventions have been implemented. To facilitate implementation of Malawi’s environmental aspirations as enshrined in the Constitution, Malawi in 1996 adopted the Environmental Management Act. This is cross – cutting in nature and provide legal frameworks for the development and/or revision of sectoral policies and legislation in environmental and natural resource management. Thus as required by EMA, Malawi undertook a review and reform of environmental and natural resources management policies and legislation. The reviews were designed to address deficiencies and the over reliance on central government control over the use of natural resources and lack of community participation on natural resource management. The reform was also in response to the requirements of CBD article 6b. Both NEP and EMA do not address biodiversity issues comprehensively. In recognition of this inadequacy, Malawi in 2006 initiated a process to revise the EMA. The revised EMA when passed by Parliament will have comprehensive guidelines and legal framework for access and benefit sharing and for creation of an Environmental Protection Authority to coordinate environmental activities in Malawi. Malawi published its NBSAP in 2006. The goal of the NBSAP is to conserve, protect and manage by the year 2020 all forms of life for all people with full participation of all stakeholders and to use the biodiversity sustainably and where benefits accrue to share them fairly and equitably. The strategy established four goals as follows:

• Actively protect, conserve and maintain protected areas, mountains and species within them, • Enhance and improve biodiversity knowledge base through research and capacity building, • Enhance sustainable use of biodiversity including agricultural biodiversity, • Enhance community understanding and appreciation of biodiversity. The NBSAP identified 192 actions. Of these 22 were priorities to be implemented in order to establish good basis for implementation of the global 2010 targets and for implementation of complex targets. The actions were grouped into eleven thematic areas which were selected in such a way that they respond or contribute to the implementation of CBD articles and programme of works. Thus, the NBSAP is a long term comprehensive strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity components. Malawi has made significant progress in the implementation of the NBSAP. In addition to revising EMA, Malawi has also initiated a process to develop the National Agrobiodiversity Policy. This initiative is in keeping with the requirements of Article 15 on sustainable use of agrobiodiversity and decision V\5 of CoP5 regarding the work programme on Agricultural Biodiversity. When approved, the policy will provide for mechanisms for protection of indigenous knowledge and benefit sharing that may arise from using the genetic materials collected from farmers. Another, example related to achievements made in the implementation of the NBSAP is the significant progress made in the implementation Cartagena Protocol. In response to the requirements of the Cartagena Protocol, Malawi in 2002 adopted the Biosafety Act. This was followed by development and adoption of

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regulations and guidelines for management of GMOs and approval by parliament of a comprehensive National Biotechnology Policy and Biosafety Policy in 2008. These achievements are a testimony that Malawi has made significant progress in the implementation of the requirements of Article 19 (on handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits).

(c) Areas where national implementation has been most effective or most lacking Implementation has focused on the implementation of the NBSAP. The NBSAP was developed as a tool to guide biodiversity planning and implementation. Some of the outputs and areas of significant achievement related to biodiversity conservations are highlighted below: Malawi is now better prepared to handle issues of biotechnology and genetically modified organised having enacted a Biosafety Act in 2002. Between 2002 and 2008, Malawi developed Biosefety regulations, approved a National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy and standing operating procedure manuals for Confined Field Trail guidelines, Trail Managers and Field Inspectors handbooks. Malawi has also trained adequate human capacity to undertaken reasonable work in biotechnology. The achievements Malawi has made in this respects are a contribution to the implementation of Article 19 of the Convention. Mainstreaming of biodiversity into policies, strategies and programmes is another area where Malawi has achieved significant results. Mainstreaming refers to inclusion or integration of action related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into economic sectors whose core business is not biodiversity conservations such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, forestry, and mining. This entails also integration of biodiversity considerations into national programmes and policies. In keeping with Article 6b of the Convention, Malawi undertook a review and reform of environmental and natural resources management policies and legislation (the National Forestry Policy, The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, The National Parks and Wildlife Policy etc). Although some of the policies and legislation were revised in line with EMA and NEP, some e.g. the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the Forestry Act, EMA did not address biodiversity issues adequately. In this regard the National Parks and Wildlife Act was amended in 2004 to include provisions on collaborative management. The Forestry Department has also initiated a process to revise the Forestry Act with a view to strengthen and provide more powers to the Forestry Department on law enforcement. In addition, the revised Act will provide guidelines for collaborative management in forestry management. Considerable efforts has also been made in mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into national programmes such National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS), Public Works Programme. Realising that land use practices have contributed to biodiversity problems, several tool have been put in place to facilitate integration of biodiversity considerations into land use planning and decision making. The Environmental Management Act is the primary mechanism or instrument at the national level for ensuring that environmental considerations are considered in national plans and decision making across all sectors. It is therefore

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requirement that all projects shall not be implemented unless an environmental impact assessment is carried out. In general biodiversity considerations are integrated in EIAs by making sure that the following issues are taken into consideration in making environmental impact assessments: a) That the project should not cause damage to biodiversity (wildlife, plants and habitats) b) That the project promotes sustainable use of natural resources, c) That the project promotes ecosystem maintenance – i.e. the project will not affect any environmentally sensitive areas e.g. wetlands, areas containing rare and endangered species. Incentive measures for biodiversity conservation are not widely used to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Malawi. Despite this, incentive measure being promoted by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Forestry have demonstrated that incentive measures have potential to promote community participation and also contribute to sustainable use of biodiversity. For example DNPW promote collaborative management in National Parks through Resource Use Programme and revenue sharing with communities who legitimately use the land on which wildlife occurs. Resource Use Programme (RUP) allows harvesting selected wildlife resources by adjacent communities. Through this programme Nyika-Vwaza communities have earned enough income that have been used for community development activities within the area. In return communities have participated in construction of fences, law enforcement and have voluntarily surrendered muzzle loading guns leading to reduced poaching. Due to a number of factors ranging from inadequate human capacity and funding, Malawi has made little progress on following up a number of CoP decisions. Despite Malawi being aware of Decision VII/30 which invited parties to develop national and regional targets and indicators and incorporate them into national programmes and strategies, an attempt to adopt some target into the NBSAP was made but no institutions was designated to follow up implementation of the targets. Similarly targets for the Global Strategy for plant protection have not been integrated into national programmes and strategies. Another area where Malawi has been ineffective is in the implementation of programme of work for Protected Areas, Invasive species, agrobiodiversity since there are limited or no national programme or activities targeting these thematic areas.

(d) Major obstacles encountered in implementation; Major achievements of the NBSAP implementation include the revision of the Environmental Management Act to strengthen biodiversity provisions; initiatives to develop an Agrobiodiversity policy; enactment of the Biotechnology and Biosafety policy in 2008; development of Biosafety Regulations and Standing Operating Procedures documents to guide management and handling of Genetically Modified Organisms in Malawi. Despite these achievements however, implementation of biodiversity activities has been constrained by a number of challenges. The first obstacle is inadequate funding. Biodiversity funding through the national budget is inadequate when compared to the magnitude of environmental problems in Malawi. Despite this however, Malawi continue to be the primary donor of key

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biodiversity departments and institutions e.g. the Forestry Department, Fisheries Department, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife through the national budget. This funding has enable Malawi to provide basic requirements for the protection of protected areas and conservation of endangered species. Although Malawi benefits from external funding, this has been irregular. In the 1990s support to biodiversity from both bilateral and multilateral donors was significant. Currently the number of true biodiversity project has dropped and the focus at the national, regional and international levels has shifted to climate change. Implementation of biodiversity activities has also been affected by inadequate coordination. The Environmental Affaires Department has the overall responsibility for coordinating implementation of biodiversity activities. The EAD however, do not develop a plan for disseminating and distributing the NBSAP, a key tool for planning and implementation of biodiversity activities, and as such key stakeholders are virtually unaware of the documents and do not use it as an effective tool for planning and implementation of biodiversity activities in Malawi. The other problem with the current implementation arrangement is that although the EAD is the main institution to coordinate implementation of the NBSAP, there is no legal obligation to force institutions to implement provisions or to include the provisions of the NBSAP into their programmes. This means that the implementation of the NBSAP is haphazard, voluntary, ad hoc and often not prioritised.

(e) Future priorities. Although, Malawi has put in place conducive legislation, policies, strategies and programmes to facilitate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, biodiversity conservation is still problematic. There are a number of priority issues that must be implemented first if Malawi is to make strides in biodiversity conservation. The 22 priority actions identified in the NBSAP are still relevant today. Of these 11 priority actions were considered of high priority on the basis that they also address priority issues as identified by the National Capacity Self Assessment for biodiversity conservation (Box 1). In addition to these the following have also been identified as priority action that must be implemented first in order to establish a solid background for effective implementation of the Conventions and its three objectives:

• The Department of Environmental Affairs should establish Coordinating unit and a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. This will provide basis for measuring success as Malawi implements various elements of the Convention.

• In order to raise the profile of biodiversity on the national agenda, biodiversity should be included into the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy.

• To improve coordination of biodiversity programmes in Malawi the current institutional arrangement has to be strengthened, and the coordinating role of EAD must be clarified. All partner institutions must designate biodiversity desk officers. In this regards, the EAD should lobby parliament to speed up approval the revised Environmental Management Act.

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• An overall National Biodiversity policy should be developed to guide implementation of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use including agrobiodiversity. Implementation of specific areas such as agrobiosiversity, invasive alien species, incentive measures etc may be guided by strategies.

Box 1: Future priorities as identified in the NBSAP Priority Strategy 1: Enhancement of protected areas management Priority Action 1: Formulate a policy framework that would promote conservation of species, habitats and ecosystems that are important but not represented within the existing protected area networks or are vulnerable, fragile or are at risk of irreversible loss or decline of biodiversity. Priority Action 2: Develop and implement programmes for sustainable conservation of important ecosystems of biodiversity importance including miombo ecosystems, mountain ecosystems, wetlands and biosphere reserves. Priority Action 3: Encourage and support the protection, maintenance and restoration of areas of particular importance for the conservation of selected indigenous species. Priority Strategy 2: Promotion of sustainable use of genetic resources Priority Action 4: Develop and enact regulations for access to and equitable sharing of benefit arising from the use of genetic resources. Priority Action 5: Develop methodologies to monitor, prevent and arrest the spread of invasive species in shared ecosystems, including early detection and coordinated management efforts at the community, national and regional levels. Priority Action 6: Assess and identify available incentive measures important for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use as well as benefit sharing and promote the adoption of best practices. Priority Strategy 3: Enhancement and maintenance of partnerships Priority Action 7: Promote the involvement of the local communities, local leaders, the private sector and NGOs in decision-making regarding the management of biological diversity and ecosystems through community based natural resources management communities. Priority Action 8: Promote joint management of biodiversity and ecosystems along national boundaries for the management of shared biological resources. Priority Strategy 4: Strengthen infrastructure and human capacity Priority action 9: Establish alternative financing mechanisms that will minimize resource expenditure and encourage close collaboration between sectors. Priority action 10: Promote enforcement and compliance to policy, legislation and international convention through the creation and empowerment of an independent Environmental Protection Authority. Priority action 11: Develop human, institutional and national capacities to identify, monitor and manage biodiversity through training.

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Table of contents Chapter One: Biodiversity Status, Trends and Threats in Malawi 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Brief background information on Malawi 1-2 1.3 Status and trends of important biodiversity components 3 1.3.1 Status of terrestrial biodiversity 3-9 1.3.2 Status of aquatic biodiversity 9-14 1.3.3 Status of agricultural biodiversity 14-16 1.4 Threats to biodiversity 17 1.4.1 Loss and fragmentation of natural habitats 17 1.4.2 Overharvesting or over exploitation of natural resources 17-18 1.4.3 Invasive alien species 18 1.4.4 Pollution 19 1.4.5 Climate change 19 1.5 Implication of biodiversity loss 19-21 1.6 Economic cost of unsustainable use of natural resources 21-22

Chapter Two: Current Status of Malawi’s National Biodiversity and Action Plan 2.1 Introduction 23 2.2 Brief description of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 23-24 Malawi 2.3 Progress on incorporation of CBD targets and indicators into the NBSAP 24-30 2.4 Contribution of NBSAP to implement CBD articles and national programme 30-32 2.5 Progress on implementation of the NBSAP 32 2.5.1 Terrestrial biodiversity 32-35 2.5.2 Aquatic biodiversity, 35-36 2.5.3 Sustainable use of genetic resource 36-38 2.5.4 Indigenous knowledge, access and benefit sharing 38-39 2.5.5 Biotechnology 39-40 2.5.6 Invasive species 40-43 2.5.7 Biodiversity policies and legislation 43-45 2.5.8 Community participation and awareness 45-47 2.5.9 Information knowledge and capacity 47-49 2.5.10 Incentive measures 49-51 2.5.11 Malawi’s role in Global Biodiversity Conservation 51-52 2.6 Constraints to the implementation of NBSAP and the way forward to 53 improve implementation 2.6.1 Obstacles for the implementation of the NBSAP 53-54 2.7 International and domestic funding dedicated to priority biodiversity 54 activities 2.7.1 Government funding 54 2.7.2 Donor funds 54-57 2.7.3 Trusts funds 58 2.8 Effectiveness of the NBSAP; adequacy of the NBSAP to address threats to 58-59 biodiversity 2.9 Progress towards implementation of COP 8 decisions 59 2.9.1 National participation of indigenous and local communities 59 2.9.2 Protected areas 59-60

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2.9.3 Impact Assessments 60

Chapter three : Sectoral and cross sectoral integration of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use

3.1 Introduction 61 3.2 Overview of biodiversity policy and institutional framework 61 3.2.1 Relevant biodiversity policies and legislation 61-64 3.2.2 Sectoral biodiversity coordination 64-65 3.2.3 Cross sectoral biodiversity coordination 65-68 3.3 Cross cutting national programmes and strategies 68 3.3.1 National Strategy for Sustainable Development for Malawi 68-69 3.3.2 Malawi Growth and Development Strategy 69-70 3.3.3 Malawi National Adaptation Programme of Action 70 3.3.4 Agriculture Sector Wide Approach (ASWAp) 71 3.3.5 The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 71-72 3.4 Linkages with other UN Conventions 72 3.4.1 Climate change 72-73 3.4.2 Migratory species 73 3.4.3 Desertification 74 3.5. Incentive measures 74 3.6. The Ecosystems Approach 75-76 3.7. Integration biodiversity into environmental planning and decision making 76-78

Chapter Four: Conclusions, progress towards the 2010 targets and implementation of strategic plan 4.1 Progress towards the 2010 Biodiversity Target 79-93 4.2 Progress towards goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan 94-100 4.3 Conclusions 100 4.3.1 Impact of CBD implementation improving conservation and 100-101 sustainable use of biodiversity 4.3.2 Lessons learned regarding implementation of the Convention 101 4.3.3 Future Priorities and Capacity building needs 102 a) Future priorities 102-103 b) Capacity building needs 103 i) Systemic capacity 103-104 ii) Institutional capacity 104 iii) Individual capacity 104

Annexes • Appendix I: Information concerning reporting Party and preparation of 106-107 national report • Appendix II: Further sources of information 108 • Appendix III: Targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 109-121 • Appendix IX: Goals and Targets of the Programme of Work on Protected 122-131 Areas

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List of tables Table number Table description Pages Table 1 Trends in forest cover 6 Table 2 Number, type and size of Malawi’s protected areas 6 Table 3 Bird species of global conservation concern found in Malawi 7 Table 4 Conservation status of Mammals in Malawi 8 Table 5 Conservation status of selected biodiversity groups in Malawi 9 Table 6 Wetlands of Malawi 10 Table 7 Conservation status of major marshes and swamps of Malawi 11-12 Table 8 Conservation status of domesticated livestock 16 Table 9 Economic costs of unsustainable natural resource use 22 Table 10 Priority actions and targets as prioritised in the NBSAP 24-30 Table 11 Relationship between NBSAP thematic areas and CBD article 31-32 Table 12 Summary of donor contribution to biodiversity conservation and 55-56 sustainable use in Malawi Table 13 Examples of sectoral policies that were revised and/or developed in line 62-64 with the requirements of EMA and NEP Table 14 Major government departments with environmental management 64-65 responsibilities Table 15 Effectiveness of EIAs in mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into 77-78 planning and decision making Table 16 Progress towards 2010 Biodiversity Target 79-93 Table 17 An assessment of priority issues in order of their importance 102-103

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AnGr Animal Genetic Resources APM African Parks (Majete) ASWAp Agricultural Sector Wide Approach CAMPASS CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CBNRM Community Based Natural Resources Management CCANR Cabinet Committee on Agriculture and Nature Resources CEPA Centre for Environmental Policy and advocacy CHM Clearing House Mechanism CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species COP Conference of the Parties CURE Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment DANIDA Danish International Development Aid DEAPS District Environmental Action Plans DEC District Executive Committee DESC District Environmental Subcommittee DNPW Department of National Parks and Wildlife DNPW Department of National Parks and Wildlife DREA Department of Research and Environmental Affairs EAD Environmental Affairs Department EDOs Environmental District Officers EIAs Environmental Impact Assessments EMA Environmental Management Act ESP Environmental Support Programme FISNA Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa FRIM Forestry Research Institute of Malawi GBI Greenbelt Initiative GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms GoM Government of Malawi GTZ German Agency for Technical Cooperation HIV/AIDS Human Immunovirus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome IAS Invasive Alien Species IGAs Income Generating Activities IUCN The World Conservation Union (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency LDC Least Developed Country MACC Management for Adaptation to Climate Change MBERU Molecular Biology and Ecology Research Unit MDGs Millennium Development Goals MEET Malawi Environment Endowment Trust MGDS Malawi Growth and Development Strategy MMCT Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust MoAFS Ministry of Agriculture and Foods Security

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MoNREA Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs MoREA Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs MZ Malawi Zebu MZUNI Mzuzu University NAPA National Adaptation Programme of Action NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NCE National Council for Environment NCSA National Capacity Self Assessment NEAP National Environmental Action Plan NEP National Environmental Policy NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations NHBG National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Malawi NISM National Information Sharing Mechanism NPDP National Planning and Development Plan NPGRC National Plant Genetic Resources Centre NRM Natural Resources Management NSSD National Strategy for Sustainable Development PAs Protected Areas PCANR Parliamentary Committee of Agriculture and Natural Resources PEI Poverty and Environment Initiative PGRFA Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture PPP Public Private Partnerships PROTA Plant Resources of Tropical Africa REDD Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation RUP Resource Use Programme SABONET Southern African Botanical Network SADC Southern African Development Community SBSTTA Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice SEAs Strategic Environmental Assessments SMART Specific Measurable achievable realistic and time bound SOER State of Environment Report TCE Technical Committee on Environment TFCA Transfrontier Conservation Area TLC Total LandCare TV Television UN United Nations UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNIMA University of Malawi USAID United States Agency for International Development VNRMCs Village Natural Resources Management Committees WESM Wildlife and Environment Society of Malawi WWF World Wildlife Fund for nature

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Chapter One

Overview of Biodiversity Status, Trends and Threats

1.1 Introduction The first comprehensive study of the trends and status of various components of biodiversity in terms of inventory, distribution, socio economic importance, and conservation status was conducted as part of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) process. Further assessments were also undertaken during the preparation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) in 2004 and during the National Capacity Self-Assessment on Biological Diversity in 2006. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is in the process of developing an Agrobiodiversity Policy and has since commissioned studies on trends and status of various components of agrobiodiversity (such as domesticated crops and animals, aquatic biodiversity, non timber forest products and other terrestrial biodiversity residing outside forests). It must be pointed out that both previous and currents biodiversity assessments have never been compiled and published into a single report but these are here considered as a starting point in term of knowledge base on biodiversity status and trends in Malawi. In addition, neither indicators nor baseline data were included in the available biodiversity studies. For the sake of this report however, information presented in the Third Biodiversity Report shall be considered baseline data but due to lack of indicators, the status of biodiversity presented in this chapter is not compared to any indicator and only estimates are provided.

1.2 Brief Background information on Malawi Malawi is a Least Developed Country (LDC) located between latitudes 9 0 22 1 and 17 0 03 1 S and longitude 33 0 40 1 and 35 0 55 1 E. It shares boundaries with Mozambique to the south, east and west; Tanzania to the north and Zambia to the west (Figure 1). Malawi’s topography varies from near sea level in the lower shire (i.e. 50 m above the sea level) to about 3000 metres above sea level on high mountains. The mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures range from 12 oC to 32 oC but can be as high as 38 oC in the rift valley and along the lakeshore. Lowest temperatures are common in high altitude areas. The total area is 119,140 km 2 of which 20,902 km 22 (representing 22%) is made up of inland waters, largely occupied by the four major lakes (Lakes Malawi, Malombe, Chilwa and Chiuta). Lake Malawi is the largest water body covering about 20% of Malawi’s total surface area and the most significant water body in terms of fish production and biodiversity. The population of Malawi was estimated in 2008 to be 13 million people. The population is about 85% rural, has a national density of 139 persons per sq. km and is growing at the rate of 2.8 percent. This is an increase from 11 million people from the previous census in 1998. Population density has increased from 85 persons per sq. km in 1987, to 105 persons per sq. km in 1998 and to 139 per sq. km in 2008. Urban population has increased from 850,000 persons in 1987 to 2,000,000 persons in 2008. This makes Malawi one of the least urbanised countries in Africa. The population increase coupled with low rate of urbanisation means that pressure on land is even greater than in the 1990s.

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Figure 1. Map of Malawi

Source: www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/malawi.pdf

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1.3 Status and trends of important biodiversity components

The NBSAP placed biodiversity comonent into three broad categories; agrobiodiversity, aquatic biodiversity and terrestrial biodiversity. The status of each biodiversity component in term of changes in number of species, distributional range of species ecosystems and conservation status will be the focus of this section.

1.3.1 Status of terrestrial biodiversity Terrestrial biodiversity comprises terrestrial ecosystems, habitats and species within them. Terrestrial ecosystems are described based on major vegetation types and may further be grouped into forests, grasslands and agro-ecosystems. Malawi’s vegetation is comparable with the diversities of topography, geology, climate and soil types. According to White’s classification (and modified by Dowsett-Lemaire in 2001), vegetation in Malawi may be perceived to comprise the following major vegetation types: i) Zambezian Woodland, ii) Transition woodland, iii) Deciduous forests and thickets, iv) Evergreen forest, v) Undifferentiated Afromontane forests, vi) Afromontane Bamboo, vii) Afromontane evergreen bushland and thicket, viii) Afromontane shrubland. These vegetation types are further grouped into two major terrestrial ecosystems; forests and grasslands. According to FAO Statistics, forests (comprising indigenous forests and plantations) are estimated to occupy about 3,336,000 Ha representing about 36% of Malawi’s land area. This is an increase from 1991 as estimated by the Forest Resources Mapping and Biomass Assessment (1993) which estimated 2638,010 Ha to be under forest cover (or 27% of Malawi’s land area). It is evident from Table 1 that the indigenous forest reduced by over 41% 1973 in 1991 whilst the forest plantations showed a general increase. Some of the vegetation types of Malawi are shown in Figure 2 whish shows that most of the land is disturbed. Most forests are found in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, Forest Reserves, and protected hill slopes, and natural woodland on customary land. Forests in Malawi are under severe threat of depletion. The total forest cover is estimated to be declining at the rate of 1.0 to 2.8% annually due to deforestation for fuelwood, charcoal and settlement. For example, Forest Resource Mapping and Biomass Assessment of 1991 showed that in 1973, Brachystegia forests occupied 45% of total land area of Malawi (36.5% if Lake Malawi is included) while in 1990/91 land under forest cover was estimated to be 25.3 (20.5% if Lake Malawi is included). This indicates that land under Brachystegia forest reduced by 44% between 1972/73 and 1990/91 period. It was further estimated that reduction of Brachystegia forests in flat areas was nearly 62% mainly due to agricultural growth. In the absence of comprehensive and country wide forest assessments it can only be estimated that land under forest cover is less than the 1993 estimate and less than current estimates (Table 1).

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Figure 2. Land cover map of Malawi based on the 1993 Forest Resources Mapping and Biomass Assessment form Malawi

Nyika NP

L. Malombe

L. Chilwa

Mulanje Mt

Elephant Marsh

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Land under protected area has increased steadily from 1897 when Lake Chilwa and Elephant marsh game reserves were created. Available information appear to suggest that over 70% of land under Protected Areas network was already gazetted before independence (in 1964). In 1998, Malawi had a toasl of 94 protected areas (comprising 85 Forest Reserves, 5 National Parks and four Wildife Reserves) and occupied a total of 1,869974 Ha (Table 2). Data from Forestry Department shows that the number of forest reserves has increased to 88, giving a total of 97 protected Areas and occupying a total of about 2,018,198 Ha. This means that land under protected areas has increased by 148224 ha (8%). Currently about three forest reserves are proposed for protection and if approved by parliament this will bring the number of protected areas to about 100. In addition, there are over 240,000 Ha of ungazetted land that is being considered for formal protection. The primary reason for forest reserves is catchment protection. In addition to this function forest reserves also play a crucial role of biodiversity conservation, forest production, protection of water supply, erosion control, nutrient recycling, carbon capture and storage etc. Public Lands Utilization Study (PLUS) of 1998 reported that three forest reserves were originally created for conservation of biological diversity. Currently fourteen forest reserves are valued for biodiversity conservation and presence of rare and unique species. Although there appear to be an increase in land under protected areas, there has been extensive encroachment into some forest reserves such as Thyolo, Ndilande, Kalwe, Zomba- Malosa such that the actual area under forest cover may be less than that reported in official documents. In addition, other reserves with valuable timber such as Mulanje cedar (Widdringtonia whytei ) are prone to extensive exploitation. Recent studies to assess the status and distribution of Mulanje Cedar reported a decline in area under cedar from 1462 Ha in 1989 to 845.3 Ha in 2004. This represents a 617 Ha decrease within 15 years, or the cedar was being cleared at the rate of 40 Ha per years. Grasslands are divided into montane, wetlands and savanna. Most montane grasslands are under protection in Forest Reserves and National Parks, but wetlands especially those outside protected areas are subjected to cultivation or overgrazing (Table 3). It is estimated that montane grasslands have reduced by 2.6% whilst wetlands have reduced by 3.5%. This is likely to continue especially with the current agricultural policy which promotes winter cropping.

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Table 1. Trend in forest cover

1973 1991 change 2000 2007 Evergreen forest 87,990 82,620 -5,370 Brachystegia forest hilly 2,399,610 1,685,850 -713,760 Brachystegia forest flat 1,913,300 733,110 -1,180,190 Forest plantations 50,620 136,430 85,810 3,336,000 3 (36% land 2,638,010 area is forest Total Forests 4,451,520 1 -1,813,510 2,562,000 2 -76,010 cover)

Table 2. Number, type and size of Malawi’s protected areas

Type of Protected Adapted from Public Land Utilisation Based on current data from Areas Study 1998 Forestry Department Number Area (Ha) % of Total Number Area (Ha) Area Forest Reserves 85 769822 41% 88 9180462 National Parks 5 710421 38% 5 710421 Wildlife Reserves 4 389730 21% 4 389730 Total 95 1869974 97 2018198

Terrestrial species such as plants, mammals, birds etc are also threatened by human activities. The most recent avian checklist gives 648 species comprising 456 residents, 94 intra-African migrants of regular occurrence, most of which probably breed in Malawi. A total of bird 9 species are listed in IUCN Red Data (Table 4). However, many of the biome-restricted species found in Malawi may be considered to be under conservation threat since their distribution in now restricted to a small number of sites. Those species whose main distribution lies outside of existing large protected areas may be vulnerable to local extinction. For many of these species, little is known of their exact population status although a large number are considered to be uncommon or rare or have a restricted-range, found in only one or a few biomes.

1 Forest Department, Forest Resources Mapping and Biomass Assessment 1993 2 Earth Trends 2003 3 FAOSTAT 2010

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Table 3 Bird species of global conservation concern found in Malawi

Species Common Global Status in Malawi Name Status Vulnerable Falco Taita Falcon Rare – found only in cliffs near Neno (C1,D1) fasciinucha Vulnerable Falco naumanni Lesser Uncommon – a visitor to grassland and (A1ace) Kestrel open country

Vulnerable Grus Wattled Rare – found in Kasungu and Nyika (A2cd,C1) carunculatus Crane National Parks and Vwaza marsh

Vulnerable Crex crex Corncrake Uncommon – a visitor with a few recent (A1ac) records in the South

Vulnerable Hirundo Blue Swallow Locally common – montane grassland in (Alc+2c, atrocaerulea Nyika (300 breeding pairs) and Mulanje C1+2a) Plateaux

Vulnerable Alethe Thyolo Uncommon – restricted to evergreen (B1+2c) choloensis Alethe forest in Thyolo and Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve

Vulnerable Apalis chariessa White- Rare – confined to Blantyre (Michiru) (Bl+2bc) winged Conservation Area) and Thyolo Mountain Apalis Forest Reserve

Vulnerable Sheppardia East Coast Uncommon – evergreen forest from (B1+2bc) gunning Akalat Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay; Nkwadzi Forest (Gunning’s Reserve Robin)

Endangere Zoothera Spotted Sub-montane forest in Thylo, Mulanje d (C2a) guttata (Turdus Thrush and Soche Forest Reserve fischeri) (Natal Thrush)

Source (SADC GEF, 2001). Approximately 600 plant species have been recorded in Malawi. Of these only eleven have legal protection but this excludes the endangered Wildringtonia whytei, aloes and orchids. Limited work has been done to determine the conservation status of plant species of Malawi. The first of such work was done under the SABONET project which listed 248 species in the National Red data List, of which 128 species are regarded as threatened. A study of the conservation status of plant undertaken during the NBSAP process recommended a total of 16

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plant species for legal protection because their distributional range and populations have reduced due to human use and habitat loss. The Millennium Seed Bank Project undertook full conservation assessment of 63 species determined as having either the highest extinction threat, or as being data deficient and it was found out that 23 species can be classified as threatened based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Table 4 shows that Malawi has about 192 recorded mammal species of which the Black Rhinoceros is critically endangered. Two mammals (African Wild dogs and Ozungwe vlei rat) are classified as endangered whilst elephants, cheetah, lions and hippopotamus are classified as vulnerable. Eleven mammal species are near threatened. According to IUCN (2010) cheetahs which used to be found in Kasungu are known to have been extirpated in Malawi mainly due to habitat loss, conflicts with farmers and poaching. There are plants to introduce chetetahs in Majete wildlife Reserve by 2012. Black rhinos were locally extinct but these were reintroduced in Liwonde and Majete national Parks. Currently there are 15 rhinos in Malawi (7 in Majete and 8 in Liwonde National Park). Populations of elephants have increases recently (approximately 215 in Majete Wildlife Reserve, 178 in Kasungu National Park, 652 in Liwonde National Park, 342 in Vwaza Wildlife Reserve) due to extensive conservation measures. One such measure is the relocation of elephants from Phirilongwe Forest Reserve (where the human conflict was high leading to extensive poaching) to Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Table 4. Conservation status of Mammals of Malawi

Species Global Status Status in Malawi Lycaon pictus Endangered (C1) Occasional vagrant in border protected (African Wild Dog) areas (Kasungu and Nyika NPs – no resident population. Acinonyx jubatus Vulnerable (A1d+2d, Rare and endangered in Kasungu NP. (Cheetah) C1) Panthera leo Vulnerable (Alcd) Kasungu and Liwonde NPs; Vwaza Marsh (Lion) and Nkhotakota WRs – populations likely to be declining. Loxodonta africana Endangered (Alb) Resident in Kasungu and Liwonde NPs; (African Elephant) occasional in Nyika NP, Vwaza Marsh and Nkhotakota WRs, Namizumu, Thuma and Phirilongwe FRs extinct in Majete WR. Diceros bicornis Critical (Alabc) Extinct, but reintroduced into Liwonde (Black Rhinoceros) NP and Majete Wildlife Reserve. Paraxerus palliatus Vulnerable (Alc) Status unknown. Rhynchocyon cirnei Vulnerable (B1+2c) Status unknown. (Chequered Elephant-shrew)

Source: IUCN (1996)

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Conservation status of invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians is presented in Table 5 below. In general invertebrates are poorly studied and it is not surprising that despite the high number of insect species only one species is classified as critically endangered. 8 species are listed by IUCN as either vulnerable or endangered. According to IUCN Global Amphibians Assessment (GAA) for Africa of 2002 about 12 amphibians are currently threatened in Malawi

Table 5. Conservation status of selected biodiversity group of Malawi

Biodiversity Total Conservation status group number Critically Endangered vulnerable Threatened endangered Invertebrates Nematodes 173 Insects 7800 1 7 1 Vertebrates Reptiles 140 Amphibians 146 4 1 1

Source IUCN (1996)

1.3.2 Status of aquatic biodiversity Aquatic ecosystems constitute about 22% of the total surface area of Malawi and most of these comprise the areas occupied by the four major lakes (Lakes Malawi, Malombe and Chilwa). There are four major types of aquatic ecosystems in Malawi: lakes, rivers, small water bodies (e.g. lagoons) and other wetlands e.g. marshes and swamps. Considered in this way aquatic ecosystems are synonymous to wetlands as defined by the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar Convention Bureau 1997) and are placed into three broad categories (riverine, lacustrine and palustrine).

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Table 6. Wetlands of Malawi

Category Examples Comments Riverine Perennial rivers Shire, Ruo, Bua Sections of rivers passing through protected areas (e.g. Nkhota kota Wildlife Reserve for Bua, Liwonde National Park for Shire River and Mulanje Mountain FR Ruo) are protected. In addition, cultivation along river banks is prohibited by law. Flood plains Northern tributaries of An important habitat for 15 endemic plant Rukuru River species. Kasungu plain and Bua Bua river is a breeding ground for River migrating cyprimid species e.g. Opsaridium microlepis . Lacustrine Lake Malawi Important habitat for over 800 endemic cichlids of Malawi. Lake Chilwa Habitat for 13 species of fish one of which is endemic ( Oreochromis shiranus chilwae ). A Ramsar site and Man and Biosphere reserve. Palustrine- marshes Vwaza marsh An important location for waterfowl and large mammals. Elephant marsh Important location for insectivorous plant Utricularia inflexa var. Inflexa . Impartant habitant for endangered species such as crocodiles and hippopotamus. Ndindi marsh Also important habitat for crocodiles and hippopotamus.

- Swamps Limphasa swamps Has high fish diversity. Nkhota kota swamps Its rivers are breeding site for Opsaridium microlepis .

Conservation status of aquatic ecosystems of Malawi is presented in Table 7. The 1998 ecosystems study (as part of the NBSAP process) observed significant human activity in wetlands leading to significant transformation. There is significant degradation in the lakes Malawi, Malombe and Chilwa mainly due to sediment load, nutrient input, pollutants and

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contaminants. Water quality studies on lake Malawi showed an increase in sediment loads from its inlets and an increase in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and silicon derived from agricultural activities in the catchment. Rivers of most inlets of Lake Malawi run though customary land and as a result they are a source of sediments and nutrients to the Lake. Cultivation in river banks is prohibited by law. Despite this provision however, most river banks are cultivated, leading to sedimentation of rivers and reducing the habitats for aquatic biodiversity. It must be pointed out that no rivers systems are protected by law except for the part that flow through protected areas. As a result almost all the rivers in Malawi are modified. It may be argued therefore that almost all rivers in Malawi are threatened. This may be attested by the fact that rivers which used to be perennial have now turned annual and their water flow and discharge has reduced. No extensive cultivation has been reported in estuaries but these have been heavily degraded by siltations and nutrient loads. Land Management studies of Lake Chilwa catchment recorded degradation of Lake Chilwa inlets to the extent that fish that used to be abundant in Lake Chilwa rivers were more abundant in estuaries in the Mozambizan side of the Lake Chilwa where river degradation was minimal. This also applies to most species that depend on rivers for breeding such as mpasa ( Opsaridium microlepis ) which are now more abundant in the Tanzanian and Mozambican side of Lake Malawi.

Table 7. Conservation Status of major marches and swamps of Malawi Ecosystem Conservatio Conservation Status n status Marshes of Ruwenya Hills V The area is sparsely populated and is not protected. Human activity is minimal. Marshes of Chitipa E Not protected, currently threatened by shifting cultivation Northern tributaries of V Part of the wetland is within Nyika NP. Bush fires South Rukuru River and shifting cultivation are major threats to the system wetlands Vwaza Marsh P/V Approximately 100,000 ha of the marsh is protected in the Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve, this include the whole of Luwewe River and its flood plains. The eastern corner of the marsh is however not protected and has been used for settlement. South tributaries of V Part of the river is protected within the Vwaza South Rukuru River Marsh WR Marshes of Kasungu Plain E The plain has been extensively deforested. The & the Bua River northern part of the plain (between Bua and Dwangwa Rivers) is reserved through Kasungu National Park whilst part of the lower course of Bua

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river is protected in Nkhota-kota WR. Lake Malawi P/V Most of the islands and a few sections of the mainland in the SE and SW Arms were gazetted as a national park in 1980. Marshes associated with lake Malawi are not protected Karonga Lakeshore Plain E Much of the plain is under cultivation and no part is protected. Lake Chilwa E Not protected but in 1997 it was designated a RAMSAR site. Lake Chilwa biodiversity is threatened by cultivation, invasive species and over fishing. Shire Marshes (Elephant V The entire wetland system is not protected and is marsh, Ndindi marshes) threatened by cultivation and waterweeds like water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes; Salvinia molesta and Azolla nilotica .

Source: Ecosystems of Malawi; issue paper prepared for the NBSAP process.

Legend (Adapted from South African Biodiversity Act) Critically Endangered Ecosystems (CE) - ecosystems that have undergone severe degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention and are subject to an extremely high risk of irreversible transformation. Endangered ecosystems (E) - ecosystems that have undergone degradation of ecological structure, but are not critically endangered. Vulnerable Ecosystems (V) - ecosystems that have high risk of undergoing significant degradation as a result of human intervention. Protected Ecosystems (P) - ecosystems that are of high conservation value or of high national importance although they are not within the protected areas network.

Malawi’s aquatic biodiversity is rich but most aquatic biodiversity groups with the exception of fish are poorly known. Fish is economically important to Malawi and also happens to be the most studied group. According to NBSAP there are over 1000 species of fish in Malawi of which 800 are in Lake Malawi alone and contribute to about 14% of world fresh water fish. About 95% of lake Malawi fish are endemic. Despite this no fish species has been recorded to have gone extinct in Malawi although there have been records of some fish species being locally displaced from their original habitats. For example, Labeo mesops (ntchila) and Opsaridium microlepis (mpasa) are more abundant on Tanzanian and Mozambique side of Lake Malawi because of pristine environments and very little overfishing. River and catchment degradation can lead to local loss of fish populations and local damage to lake populations near the river mouths. A few of the fish that migrate up stream for breeding such as Opsaridium microlepis (mpasa), O. macrocephalus (Sanjika), Labeo mesops (Ntchira), Barbus eurystomus (Kadyakolo), Burbus litamba (Thamba) are endemic and rare due to catchment

12 degradation. These species are more abundant in the Mozambican and Tanzania side of the Lake The fish biodiversity in Malawi is also threatened by exotic species such as the common carp and Nile Tilapia. These fish species have potential to hybridize with their relatives and these can lead to fish genetic erosion and collapse of the endemic fish species. In order to protect Malawi’s unique fish biodiversity the Fisheries Act limits the use of exotic fish species within Lake Malawi basin. The artisanal fishermen which exploit mostly inshore fisheries resources are also a threat to fish biodiversity. Artisanal fishermen target cichlids of which 99.9% are endemic in Malawi. It is believed that overfishing and use of inappropriate fishing gears have contributed to the reduction in abundance and distribution of Oreochromis species over the past 30 years. In addition to overfishing, the Chambo nursery grounds have disappeared as shoreline vegetation is removed by seining and development of hotels and resort. These are some of the factors that have contributed to decline in fish production over the past 30 years.

Fish production declined from an estimated 70,000 metric tonnes to 50,000 metric tonnes between 1980 and 2000 (Figure 3). Chambo alone declined to about 9,000 metric tonnes per year (Figure 3). This decline was due to overfishing, use of inappropriate fishing gear and pollution. As a result about 102 fish species are listed as endangered.

Figure 3. Trends in fish production

90000 80000 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007

Source: Malawi Poverty and Initiative economic Report (May 2010).

The total number of amphibian species is not known although some studies have recorded 146 species. Studies conducted in the 1990s recorded 101 amphibians in Lake Malawi catchment alone. Of these about 23% are endemic to Lake Malawi basin. However, the conservation status of amphibian species cannot be determined with certainty. Despite this

13 the IUCN Global Amphibians Assessment for Africa of 2002 recorded 37 threatened amphibian species from central and southern African. Of these 12 amphibians species are reported in Malawi. There is an urgent need therefore to assess and evaluate the conservation status of amphibians in Malawi. There are about 139 reptile species (crocodile, monitor lizard, terrapin and turtles) that are most closely associated with freshwater habitats in Malawi. Studies to determine conservation status of reptiles are unavailable, thus making it difficult to determine their conservation status. In the absence of these studies, all endemic reptile species should be treated as being under conservation threat. For example, crocodile populations are in the decline, mainly due to habitat competition with people. In addition, the following reptiles are under threat for extinction in the basin; Chamaelo muelleri, Chamaelo mlanjensis, Rhampholeon elatyceps, Platysaurus mitchelli, Lygodactylus rex . There are no obligate freshwater avian species in Malawi. However, previous studies recorded about 153 species that live part of their life cycles in water and 14 riparian communities (terrestrial species that live have close association with aquatic habitats). Many of the biome- restricted and endemic birds may be considered to be under considerable threat because their distribution is now become narrow due habitat degradation and fragmentation. Hippopotamus and Otters are probably the only mammals that have a true affinity for aquatic habitats. The Hippopotamus show a declining trend due to habitat loss and conflict with human activities. Substantial hippopotamus populations are protected within Liwonde National Park, Kasungu National Park and Vwaza Wildlife Reserve. Two species of otters are recorded in Malawi, the Cape Clawless ( Aonyx capensis ) and the spotted Necked ( Lutra maculocollis ). Both species are rare and are now listed in IUCN Red Data list as threatened in 2010.

1.3.3 Status of agricultural biodiversity Agricultural biodiversity (the variability among animals, plants and microorganisms that are used or indirectly used for food and agriculture) are the main driving force of the agricultural sector and Malawi’s economy. It comprises the diversity of varieties and breeds used for food, fodder, fuel and pharmaceuticals and species that support production such as soil microorganisms and pollinators. In Malawi agrobiodiversity is viewed in terms of domesticated plants and animals. Malawi was a country of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor ) and millets ( Pennisetum spp. and Eleusine coracana ) before the introduction of maize. Current policies favour maize production and as a result sorghum and millets have been marginalised. The local maize variety ( Zea mays ) that has been in production has largely been local flint types but with introduction of hybrids local genotypes are now infused with newer hybrids. Ex situ conservation of the local type is constrained by lack of storage facilities at the National Plant Genetic Resource Centre (NPGRC). Beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) have high genetic diversity. The diversity is eroded due to market forces that demand red kidney classes. Bambara groundnut ( Voindzaea subterannea also referred to as a crop of our ancestors), are more nutritious and contributes more biologically

14 fixed nitrogen than groundnuts. Bambara groundnuts are not widely grown and are listed in IUCN Red Datalist as threatened species. It is one of the crops which have received considerable attention when it comes to ex situ conservation in Malawi. Malawi’s animal genetic resources (AnGR) comprise ruminant livestock, mammalian monogastrics, and avian monogastrics. Majority of the livestock (95%) are of the indigenous type which have low fertility and growth performance, low milk yield (1 litre/day for cattle) and early ages at maturity resulting into smaller mature body sizes. These species are at risk of genetic erosion due to indiscriminate crossbreeding, stock thefts and diseases. There are also smaller population of exotic breeds and their crosses, which are mainly on large/commercial farms. The Malawi Zebu (MZ) cattle are the only indigenous bovine animal that has been domesticated. This accounts for more that 90% of all cattle found in Malawi. Recent trends in milk and beef production are favouring the importation of exotic breeds to be mixed with indigenous Malawi Zebu but this may lead to loss in indigenous gene pool. There has been crossbreeding of Holstein/Friesian bulls with indigenous Malawi Zebu cows to improve milk production and Brahman/Sussex/Africander/Charolais bulls with Malawi Zebu cows to improve beef production. The programme discontinued but there has been a lot of interbreeding and inbreeding within the populations and as a result Malawi zebu cattle do still have exotic blood in them in various proportions. The programme resulted in improved birth weight, weaning and mature weights. However, current records from Mbawa Research Station reveal that the birth weights of Malawi Zebu bull calves have declined from 27kg in 1988 to 15kg in 1997 whilst that of heifer calves has declined from 26kg to 14kg over the same period. This declining trend probably indicates that there is a lot of inbreeding within the herd. New foundation herd of bulls and cows from different agro- ecological zones should be established to improve the genetic diversity. There are five breed types of domesticated and introduced birds ( Gallus domesticus ), viz: Indian River and Cobb-Cobb for meat; Hy-line for eggs and red in colour; Black Australorp as dual purpose for meat and eggs; Black Australorp and local crosses for dual purpose; and the Local as dual purpose. The Dwarf Local is less abundant, the frizzle Local is extremely less abundant, the Naked neck local is moderately abundant, the Spotted Local is highly abundant, the Helmeted Local is less abundant and the Long-legged is extremely less abundant (almost extinct). Despite the fact the local chicken is threatened recent figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security show a general increase in the population of local chickens (i.e. from about 10 million chickens in 2005 to 15 million chickens in 2008). Among the domesticated small livestock, goats ( Capra hircus ) are the perhaps the most popular. There are four main genotypes in Malawi. These are the Boer goat (introduced from South Africa, is extremely less abundant); the Boer crosses, the Saanen (introduced for milk production) is extremely less abundant and so is very rare. The local goats are abundant and therefore of less conservation concern. Sheep ( Ovis aries ), is present in three genotypes in Malawi, the indigenous (local) types, the Dorper (an introduced breed from South Africa for mutton) and the Dorper crosses. The Local sheep are highly abundant, the Dorper crosses being less abundant and the Dorper breed is extremely less abundant.

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Conservation status of domesticated livestock is summarised in Table 8 below. Goat and sheep are abundant and therefore of less conservation concern. Some types of chickens are threatened and their populations have reduced drastically. Malawi Zebu is considered vulnerable since through indiscriminate crossing and inbreeding its genetic diversity has reduced drastically.

Table 8. Conservation status of domesticated livestock

Species Introduced Breeds Indigenous Conservation Breeds Status of the Indigenous Breeds Large Herbivores Cattle Dairy Friesian/Holstein Beef Brahman, Hereford, Malawi Zebu Vulnerable Simmental Small Ruminants Goats ( Capra hircus ) Boar, boar crosses Indigenous local LC (least concern) and saanen goat Sheep ( Ovis aries ) Dorper Malawi Fat LC (least concern) Tailed Domesticated chickens Indian river, Black Indigenous Among the local (Gallus domesticus ) australorp varieties include types the frizzle draft, frizzle, the and long-legged naked neck, the types are spotted, the extremely rare helmeted and and feared locally long-legged extinct. types. Pigs Large white Indigenous black LC (least concern) pigs. Maintained on farm.

1.4 Threats to biodiversity Threats to biodiversity refer to activities that have potential to contribute to reduction in biodiversity. In general terms major threats affecting Malawi’s biodiversity may be placed into five broad groups; loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, over harvesting or over exploitation of natural resources, invasive species, pollution and climate change. Most of the

16 threats are as a result of human activities and are interlinked. For example, the NBSAP highlights deforestation as the major environmental problem in Malawi but deforestation has contributed to habitat loss and degradation of both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. 1.4.1 Loss and fragmentation of natural habitats Alternative land uses for urban development, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and mining have contributed to reduction or degradation of important habitats and ecosystems. A good example is the conversion of Kalwe Forest Reserve for the construction of the new Nkhata Bay District Hospital. Kalwe Forest Reserve is among the remaining rain forests in Malawi. Another example is the proposed Sugar factory to be constructed within an ecologically sensitive wetland (Lufuwu Dambo) in lakeshore district of Central Malawi, Salima. Lufuwu wetland is an important habitat for migratory birds and also supports the livelihoods of surrounding communities in terms of fishing and agricultural. The current agricultural practice is also contributing to loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. The agricultural sector is dominated by subsistence farming with average land holding ranging from 0.5 and 1.5 Ha and is characterised by continuous cultivation on the same land, encroachment into marginal lands and protected areas. High population and density are considered the greatest cause of habitat fragmentation since more land is cleared for settlement and is in search for fertile land to increase food production. This has directly contributed to reduction in forest cover from 44% to in 1970s to 28% in the 1990s. Thus as long as population growth rate remains high, pressure on land for settlement, agriculture and resource use will remain high and this will continue to exert pressure on the remaining habitats. Total forest cover is estimated to be declining at 1.0 to 2.8% annually due to deforestation for agricultural expansion, charcoal production etc. This imply that forest have undergone significant degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human interventions. With the current deforestation rate it is highly likely that by 2020 most forest reserves will be critically endangered (i.e. will have undergone severe degradations of ecological structure, function and composition as a result of human interventions). 1.4.2 Over-harvesting or over exploitation of natural resources Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world being listed 163 out of 174 in the United Nations Development Annual Report for the year 2009. The poverty situation in Malawi is critical considering that 52% of the 13 million people live below the poverty line whilst 22% live in dire poverty. This is an improvement from in the 1990s when 62% of the populations lived below the poverty line. Despite this improvement however, about 90% of the population are forced by their low economic base to depend on natural resources endowment for energy (fuelwood), food, construction material, medicine, and fodder. This means that Malawians are forced by this low income base to trade-off long term sustainable resources for short term consumption of stocks since they depend entirely on the existing natural resource endowment for a living and other needs. This overdependence on natural resources has contributed to local extermination of some widely used natural resources. For example wild edible orchids which used to be widely distributed have been overharvested and their populations have been reduced to unsustainable levels.

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A number of factors, e.g. inadequate enforcement of the policy, inadequate pricing policy contribute to over exploitation of natural resources in Malawi. For example, although fishing is regulated by the Fisheries Act, law enforcement when it comes to monitoring the closing season is not closely monitored such that fishing continues even during the closed season. In adequate enforcement of the Forestry Policy has also encouraged overharvesting of medicinal plants such as Jetroliza bukobensis and Mondia whytei which are highly demanded in neighbouring countries. Current pricing policies don’t considered biodiversity as economic goods and this has resulted in poor pricing of biological resources, leading to overharvesting of resources. For example, Malawi timber has for the past decades been the cheapest in the region and this promoted uncontrolled and unsustainable harvesting of timber in Chikangawa pine plantation for export to neighbouring countries and beyond. Mulanje cedar although considered of high economic value in also inadequately priced. Most Malawi animals have been hunted for meat, for their skins, for their horns and tasks as such populations of such animals as impala antelope, sable antelope, elephants, wild dogs, rhinos has reduced greatly. For example populations of Zebra have reduced from 00 to 00 in Nyika National Park. Population of Nyala antelope in Lengwe National Park reduced from 2527 in 1998 to 781 in 2007, whilst populations of buffalos redcued from 4144 to 666 within the same period. The population of zebras in Nyika National park was estimated to be 476 in 2005 but this reduced to 300 in 2008. 1.4.3 Invasive alien species Invasive alien invasive species are organisms that are intentionally or accidentally introduced and threaten indigenous biodiversity through consuming and preying on them, competing with them, or through hybridising with them. Approximately 30 invasive alien species have been recorded in Malawi, of these 28 were reported in the NBSAP. Two invasive alien species have been recorded since publication of the NBSAP, these include black wattle and eucalyptus bug (origin of Australia). Thus bringing the total number of known invasive alien species to 30 (comprising 17 plant IAS, 10 invertebrate IAS and 3 potential fish IAS). Studies have shown that alien invasive species such as Central American mesquite ( Prosopis juliflora ) due to it allopathic educed growth has overgrown and replace indigenous vegetation in same parts of Lake Chilwa wetland (Swang’oma area). Similarly, the massive mats of water hyacinth have potential to change water chemistry, impede penetration of light and displace indigenous flora and aquatic life including fish. Cypress aphids were first reported in Malawi in 1986. By 1990 it was estimated that cypress aphids killed exotic conifer trees worth over 40 million US dollars. Cypress aphids have also been reported in Mulanje cedar but the extent of damage caused by cypress aphids on Mulanje cedar is not known. Using biological control agent (wasps), damage caused by cypress aphids on conifers in Malawi has reduced significantly. Invasive alien fish species recorded in Malawi such as the common carp and nile tilapia have potential for overtaking the indigenous biodiversity through hybridizing with their relatives found in Malawi’s aquatic ecosystems. To protect Malawi’s unique fresh water fish, use of these species within the Lake Malawi basin is prohibited by law.

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1.4.4 Pollution Pollution is considered to be one of the factors that threaten biodiversity. The existing data indicate that bush fires, dust gases and car exhaust fumes are major sources of atmospheric pollution in Malawi. Effluents from major factories and domestic and commercial sewages which are often discharged knowingly or unknowingly into the river systems are major pollutants of the aquatic ecosystems. Through filtration and leaching agricultural chemicals, fertilizers and herbicides are also discharged into the river systems. Although it is recognised that high nutrient content caused by fertilizer leaching into aquatic ecosystems makes the aquatic ecosystems become anaerobic, the extent to which this has affected species survival in aquatic ecosystems is not known. 1.4.5 Climate change It is projected that Malawi will experience an increase in temperature within the range of 1- 3oC. It is further projected that this will reduce water levels in all major lakes of Malawi and thereby threatening fish production. For example, fish breeding sites in Lake Chilwa were affected during the 2001 draught and as a result Oreochromis shiranus were restocked with Lake Malawi genotypes. The increase in temperature may also change species composition of some plants and animals in favour of species better adapted to drier environmental conditions. From the initial communication it may be generalised that due to climate change drier areas such as Chikwawa and Nsanje will be drier and experience extreme rainfall shortages, reduction in forest cover and food shortage. Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns may lead to extinction of less resilient organisms of economic importance such as soil micro organisms and pollinators. Additionally, with increase in temperature some sensitive species will shift in their distribution range.

1.5 Implication of biodiversity loss Malawi’s economy and human society is entirely dependent and based on the biological diversity and services provided by the ecosystems. Extrapolated from the contribution of biodiversity components to the national economy (the Gross Domestic Product) it can be stated that the biodiversity of Malawi is instrumental in providing sources of livelihood needs in form of food and fibre, fuel wood, medicine and shelter. The economy also depends on the use of biodiversity as sources of raw materials for agro-industrial development and exports. The impact of biodiversity loss is here assessed based on the importance and contribution of biodiversity to major economic sectors of Malawi e.g. ecosystems, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, tourism and health. This section is based on the 2009 economic report and the 2010 Malawi Poverty and Environment Initiative economic report. The economic value of ecosystems services (for nutrient recycling, provision of clean water and air, control micro environment and erosion) to the economy is difficult to estimate. These functions are important such that the value of ecosystem services to the Malawi may be more than the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For example, forests as sinks of carbon, a major green house gas, help Malawi mitigate the effects of climate change. Forests therefore help Malawi save millions of dollars that Malawi would spend to manage the effects of climate change.

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The contribution of agrobiodiversity to the national economy may be more than the contribution of agricultural sector to the GDP since the Malawi economy is predominantly dependent on agriculture, which contributes about 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for more than 90% of employment and 90% of merchandise export earnings. The agricultural sector benefits greatly from certain groups of biodiversity such as nitrogen fixing organisms, soil micro-organisms and pollinators. The use of nitrogen fixing plants is a direct response to the requirements for a lot of nitrogen by plants, given the low soil fertility levels in most parts of Malawi. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Agriculture also benefits greatly from insects such as bees, flies, and butterflies, as well as bats and birds as pollinators. Wild relatives of crops and animals, when maintained, are sources of genetic material for breeding programmes for disease and pest resistance and yield improvement. It is therefore evident that the loss of agrobiodiversity has a detrimental effect on Malawi’s economy. The contribution of biodiversity to the health sector is two fold: as source of medicine or raw material for medicine; and as a source of food and nutritional security. As source of medicine, more than half of the world’s modern drugs are derived from biological resources. In Malawi it is estimated that about 80% of the rural population rely on traditional medicines for the treatment of diseases. In addition to supplementing the National Health Services, traditional medicine is a source of income to the Traditional Healers. It is estimated that more than 3,000 people earn their income through working as Traditional Healers with some practising and supplying herbal medicines to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe markets. Biodiversity is also important as source of food (such as tubers, vegetables, wild fruit, mushrooms) and contribute to the nutritional security. Loss of biodiversity therefore means that demand on the national health care service will be high, and this may cost Malawi millions of dollars. The fisheries sector contributes almost 2.8% towards the GDP. Additionally, the fisheries sector provides 50% of total animal protein in Malawi. It is also estimated that over 350,000 people along the major fishing areas are engaged in fisheries related economic activities. The fisheries sector provides employment opportunities to people in fishing, processing and marketing. Despite these values, the intensification of fishing has resulted in near disappearance of some species and the gradual dwindling of fish production. Thus loss of fish biodiversity will have a negative impact on the economy of Malawi and livelihoods of people that depend on fish for a living. Majority of Malawians depend on natural resource endowment for a living as sources of fuelwood, poles and timber, bamboo, crafts, thatching grass, medicines, spices, flowers, cosmetics, edible fruits, tubers, vegetables, mushrooms, fodder, and extractives (dyes, oils, gums, latex, resins). Grass is used extensively for thatching, especially in rural areas, while in the lakeshore region there is a flourishing handicraft industry based on the indigenous species. Wood fuel (firewood and charcoal) remains the dominant source of energy accounting for approximately 90% of the household and industrial energy requirement. At the household level wood is also used for construction, fence posts, sawn logs, furniture and joinery, sawn timber, boats and canoes, carvings, mortars and pestles, axe and hoe handles. This means that loss of biodiversity will have serious implications for the people who depend on them and any value cannot adequately convey the level of dependence on natural resources for the survival of the people.

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Loss of forestry resources has devastating effects on the country's social and economic life. Social issues related to loss of forestry resources include:

• reduced sources of income for people who depend on plants, e.g. craftspersons. When preferred plant species are depleted, users who depend on them are deprived of their means of livelihood.

• reduced supply of the basic needs (food, fuelwood, medicines, timber, etc). Women, traditional healers, craftsmen and others have to travel long distances to fetch fuelwood, timber, and medicinal plants.

• loss of sacred and secret society sites. Some forested patches play an important role in the cultural life of the people and are considered sacred.

• flooding and siltation, creating ecological refugees and causing low levels of water in rivers for irrigation and hydro-electric power generation.

Wood fuel (Firewood and charcoal) remains the dominant source of energy accounting for approximately 90% of the household and industrial energy requirement. In 1996 demand for fuelwood was estimated at 15.45 million cubic metres and growing at 8% per annum. About 90% of this total demand is consumed by households and the rest is consumed by Industry. About 90% of urban energy consumption is from wood fuels. The Malawi BEST study estimates that woodfuel accounts for 4.3% on annual DGP. At the household level wood is also used for construction pole, fence posts, saw long, furniture and joinery, sawn timber, boats and canoes carvings, mortars and pestles, axe and hole handles. Harvesting of these products is selective with certain species preferred for certain products. Tourism contributes approximately 4% to the GDP. Lake Malawi, with its wide range of endemic fish, is a major tourist attraction. This is followed by wildlife based tourism in national parks and Wildlife Reserves where large mammals such as elephant, buffalo, zebra are the major source of attraction. Through community participation, communities surrounding tourist areas earn income through IGAs and employment. Communities also benefit from sharing of benefits realised through CBNRM initiatives. Mechanisms of benefit sharing include retention of a proportion of the fees, licenses and concessions. The socio economic value of tourism cannot be estimated with certainty but it can be estimated based on its contribution to the economy is estimated to be not less than or equal the contribution of tourism to GDP.

1.6 Economic cost of unsustainable use of natural resources Habitat loss and degradation, and loss of species have an impact on the economy of Malawi. For example eradication of invasive species which are wide spread in Malawi requires billion of dollars. Currently poor land use practices lead to siltation of water bodies and degradation of rivers. This leads to scarcity of water for irrigation and domestic use and as a result the government spends billion of dollars to provide water for irrigation and domestic use. Degradation of Shire River leads to clogging of electricity supply which leads to massive power cuts costing Malawi billion of dollars in maintenance and business failure. It is evident therefore that Malawi pays a high price for unsustainable use of natural resources. The

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Malawi Poverty and Environment Initiative economic study estimated the cost of unsustainable use to be equivalent to giving up 5.3% of GDP each year (Table 9). Taking into consideration the MGDS aims for total annual GDP growth of 6%, MPEI Economic study report hypothesized that Malawi would have been richer by MK 27.1 billion (US$195 million) each year in 2007 prices if soil, forest, fishery and wildlife resources were used sustainably. Over time the costs of unsustainable resource use would accumulate such that over a decade the value of unsustainable natural resource use would amount to more than MK86 billion (US$615 million) in 2007 prices.

Table 9. Economic costs of unsustainable natural resource use

NR sector & source of cost – base case Annual cost (2007 prices) Discounted cost of damage over 10 years MK US$ % of MK Million % of GDP Million Million GDP Soils: 8,988 65 1.9% 40,665 8.2% On-site impact on agriculture 7,540 54 1.6% 30,915 6.3% Off-site impact on hydropower 1,433 10 0.3% 9,688 1.9% Off-site drinking water treatment 15 0 0.0% 62 0.0% Forests: 12,983 93 2.4% 31,795 11.0% Unsustainable roundwood (excl fuelwood) 3,100 22 0.4% 12,710 2.4% Unsustainable fuelwood 6,089 44 1.2% 2,495 4.8% Flood prevention (indicative only) 232 2 0.2% 1,987 0.8% Indoor air pollution 3267 23 0.7% 13,394 2.7% Outdoor air pollution - WB 2002 327 2 0.2% 2,417 0.5% Fisheries: 3,906 28 0.8% 7,666 1.5% Unsustainable use (lower bound) 3,906 28 0.8% 7,666 1.5% Wildlife: 665 5 0.1% 2,730 0.5% Poaching loss (indicative only) 665 5 0.1% 2,730 0.5% Total 26,573 191 5.3% 84,064 21.4%

Source: Malawi Poverty and Initiative economic Report (May 2010).

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Chapter Two

Current Status of Malawi’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

2.1 Introduction The NBSAP for Malawi was published in 2006 after a comprehensive and broad based interactive participatory process involving all key stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Implementation of some priority activities identified in the NBSAP started even before official publication of the NBSAP. This means that progress reported in this chapter is not only limited to the four years the NBSAP has been in operation but it also includes practical lessons learned before publication of the NBSAP. Problems Malawi has encountered in the implementation of the NBSAP and measure put in place to speed up implementation have also been highlighted. Whilst highlighting these achievements the link between NBSAP and how it relates to the implementation of CBD articles is also highlighted giving emphasis on how the NBSAP has contributed to the implementation of certain aspects as requested in COP8 decisions. 2.2 Brief description of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Malawi The NBSAP was based on studies of the status and trends of biodiversity components. The studies focuses on such biodiversity issues as ecosystems, terrestrial biodiversity, aquatic biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, biotechnology, biodiversity policies and legislation, community participation, invasive alien species and incentive measures. The goal of the NBSAP is to conserve, protect and manage by the year 2020 all forms of life for all people with full participation of all stakeholders and to use the biodiversity sustainably and where benefits accrue to share them fairly and equitably. The strategy established four goals as follows:

• Actively protect, conserve and maintain protected areas, mountains and species within them, • Enhance and improve biodiversity knowledge base through research and capacity building, • Enhance sustainable use of biodiversity including agricultural biodiversity, • Enhance community understanding and appreciation of biodiversity. The NBSAP identified 192 actions. Of these 22 were priorities to be implemented first on the premise that Malawi lacks capacity and resources to implement all actions at once (Table 9). The actions were grouped into eleven thematic groups: terrestrial biodiversity; aquatic biodiversity; sustainable use of genetic resource; indigenous knowledge, access and benefit sharing; biotechnology; biodiversity policies and legislation; community participation; information, knowledge and capacity; incentive measures; invasive species and Malawi’s role in global biodiversity conservation. Within each thematic area, the NBSAP identified a set of desirable outcomes and key strategic objectives. For each strategic objective a set of strategies and actions were identified. The thematic areas were selected in such away that they respond or contribute to the implementation of CBD articles and programme of works (Table 10). The time frame for implementing these activities was estimated to be 2020. This time frame was chosen to coincide with the timeframe for Malawi’s Vision 2020, which is the overall

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policy framework for medium term socio economic development. In addition, this timeframe was considered long enough to allow Malawi to implement complex strategies, allow for revision of the NBSAP, and also implement the 2010 biodiversity target and the Millennium Development Goals. Thus the NBSAP set out a comprehensive long term strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity components in Malawi. 2.3 Progress on incorporation of CBD targets and indicators into the NBSAP Malawi’s NBSAP provides adequate information regarding the status of biodiversity, where Malawi wants to be in terms of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and how to achieve the intended results. The NBSAP however, does not provide indicators for measuring success. The desirable outcomes for each thematic area may however be considered indicators but most are not SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound). In keeping with Malawi’s commitment to Article 10 of the Convention, Malawi is currently developing Guidelines for sustainable use of biodiversity. The aim of the guidelines is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Malawi. They include indicators as tools for measuring success. The activities identified in the Biodiversity guidelines are not directly related to those identified in the NBSAP and as such the indicators identified in the Guidelines cannot be used to measure progress in the implementation of the NBSAP. Similarly the indicators cannot be used to assess the extent to which Malawi has implemented the 2010 targets. Since the guidelines are yet to be finalised, consideration should be given on data collections and calculations of certain indicators related to NBSAP and 2010 targets such as number of invasive species, extent of habitant loss for each ecosystem and ensure that the same indicators are also applicable to the NBSAP and 2010 targets. The NBSAP prioritised 22 Priority actions based on their contribution towards achieving national and global biodiversity goals and targets. In keeping with Decision VII/30 of CoP VII, which urged and invited Parties and Government to develop national targets and indicators and incorporate them into national programmes including NBSAP, actions that were perceived to contribute to the implementation of the Global 2010 targets were prioritised. The NBSAP further associated each Priority Action with targets (which were eiher similar to the 2010 targets or were modified to suite the local conditions). An indication of the extent to which the Priority Actions have been achieved is highlighted in Table 10 below.

Table 10. Priority actions and targets as prioritised in the NBSAP Priority actions and associated targets in NBSAP Progress

Priority Action 1: Formulate a policy framework • Malawi has initiated a process to revise the that would promote conservation of species, Environmental Management Act to habitats and ecosystems that are important but incorporate biodiversity concerns. not represented within the existing protected • Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy was area networks or are vulnerable, fragile or are at approved in 2008. risk of irreversible loss or decline of biodiversity. • A process to develop an Agrobiodiversity

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Targets: Biodiversity hotspots including lakes and policy has been initiated. wetlands, mountains and terrestrial habitats and • Plant Breeders Rights Act awaits ecosystems outside the protected areas network parliamentary approval. are identified, characterized and protected by 2010 ( 2010 BD Target 1.1 ).

Priority Action 2: Develop and implement • An integrated watershed management programmes for sustainable conservation of programme being implemented in Lake important ecosystems of biodiversity importance Chilwa Basin. including miombo ecosystems, mountain • Malawi and Zambia are developing a ecosystems, wetlands and biosphere reserves. collaborative project to manage and conserve the biodiversity of Nyika Transfrontier Conservation Area. Targets: Areas of particular importance to biodiversity such as Miombo ecoregions, Afromontane ecoregions of forest ecosystems and wetlands diversity effectively conserved by 2010 ( 2010 BD Target 1.2) .

Priority Action 3: Encourage and support the • The MMCT established an Endowment protection, maintenance and restoration of areas Trust to support long term management of particular importance for the conservation of and conservation of Mulanje Mountain selected indigenous species. Forest Reserve, an area of high biological diversity. The endowment has initiated

work to restore the distributional range of Targets: Restore, maintain or reduce the decline mulanje cedar on the reserve through re of population of species of 50 threatened species afforestation programme. by 2010 ( 2010 BD Target 2.1 ).

Priority Action 4: Promote enforcement and • Biosafety Protocol which Malawi signed in compliance to policy, legislation and international 2005 was ratified in 2008. Prior to conventions. ratification Malawi had enacted a Biosafety Act in 2002.

• Biotechnology and Biosafety Act was Targets: Policy, legislation and other international approved in 2008. instruments ratified and promulgated by 2008.

Priority Action 5: Promote the involvement of the • Community Participation in Nyika-Vwaza local communities, local leaders and NGOs in has improved good working relationship decision making regarding the management of such that communities around Nyika and biological diversity and ecosystems through Vwaza participate in fence maintenance, village natural resources management boundary clearing and some have committees. surrendered muzzle loading guns. This has also reduced the rate of encroachment into

the park such that no records of Targets: Rates of loss and degradation of natural encroachments have been reported for the habitats decreased by 2010 ( 2010 BD target 5.1 ). past 10 years.

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Priority Action 6: Develop and enact regulations • The Environmental Management Bill when for access to and equitable sharing of benefit approved by parliament will have arising from the use of genetic resources. guidelines for Access and Benefit sharing.

• The National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1992 was amended in 2004 to take into account Targets: Benefits arising from commercial and issues of collaborative management. The other utilisation of genetic resources are equally Act promotes 50-50 sharing of benefits and shared with stakeholders by 2010 ( 2010 BD responsibilities by each party. Target 10.2 ).

Priority Action 7: Collect and maintain genetic • About 3000 accessions of plants have been resources in gene banks, botanic gardens, collected and stored at the NPGRC. national parks, herbaria, museums and zoos, and • Sorghum, finger millet and bambara nuts promote re-introduction, in-situ and ex-situ have been reintroduced in selected areas. conservation of priority, rare, or endangered taxa. • About 950 endangered, rare or endemic

plants have been collected through the Targets: Databases of genetic resources are Millennium Seed Bank Project and are created and published by 2009. stored an Millennium Seed bank in London with duplicates in NPGRC. Priority Action 8: Collect all agrobiodiversity, As above including their wild relatives, threatened and/or endangered species, with full participation of communities and preserve them on farm, in field gene banks, seed banks and botanic gardens. Targets: Agrobiodiversity, genetic diversity of fish and other valuable species conserved ( 2010 BD Target 3.1 ).

Priority Action 9: Develop or strengthen existing • Guidelines for Access and Benefit Sharing regulations and institutional framework on developed. conservation and sustainable use of rare and • Environmental Management Bill will endangered taxa including international trade on facilitate formulation of Environmental endangered species. Protection Authority which will be Targets: Illegal trade on endangered species responsible for coordinating environmental reduced by 2010 ( 2010 BD Target 4.3 ). activities in Malawi.

Priority Action 10: Develop methodologies to • The Forestry Research Institute of Malawi monitor, prevent and arrest the spread of (FRIM) has an ongoing programme to invasive species in shared ecosystems, including prevent spread of alien invasive species in early detection and coordinated management forestry. efforts at the community, national and regional • FRIM also coordinating an African network levels. on invasive alien species and through this collaboration FRIM have identified potential invasive alien species in

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Targets: Pathways for major potential alien eucalyptus. invasive species controlled by 2010, management • Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust has a plans in place for major alien invasive species that management plan for managing invasive threaten major ecosystems of Malawi by 2008 alien species on Mulanje Mountain Forest (2010 BD Target 6.1, 6.2 ). Reserve.

Priority Action 11: Implement the Biosafety Act • In 2007, Malawi developed Biosafety and develop and implement a broad based Regulations to guide management of biotechnology policy. Genetically Modified Organisms.

• Three Standing Operating Procedures documents have been developed: Confined Targets: Sectoral plans for the implementation of Field Trial Guidelines, Trial Manager’s and the Biosafety Act are developed and Inspector’s Handbook. These were implemented by 2010; relevant departments and developed in preparation for the first institutions have identified and trained staff in Confined Field Trial in cotton which when handling, monitoring and identification of GMOs. approved will be conducted at Bunda College.

Priority Action 12: Assess and identify available • Plans are underway to identify incentive incentive measures important for biodiversity measure important for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use as well as benefit conservation. sharing and promote the adoption of best • Department of National Parks and wildlife practices. is implementing an incentive measures programme in Nyika Vwaza area which comprises Resources use Programme and Targets: Biological resources that support Revenue Sharing. sustainable livelihoods, food security and health care identified and maintained by 2010 ( 2010 BD Target 8.2 ).

Priority Action 13: Promote the involvement of • Guidelines for CBNRM within the forestry the local communities, local leaders, the private sector lead to the identification and signing sector and NGOs in decision-making regarding the of six community clubs within the Mulanje management of biological diversity and Mountain Forest Reserve. ecosystems through community based natural • The Department of National Parks is in the resources management communities. process of developing guidelines for Targets: Guidelines and regulation for establishing community participation within national and managing village natural resource parks and under these guidelines all management areas are developed and community clubs will be under a single implemented; community natural resource umbrella. management areas identified and managed by 2010.

Priority Action 14: Promote joint management of • Malawi and Zambia in 2002 signed a biodiversity and ecosystems along national Memorandum of Understanding for the boundaries for the management of shared management of transfrontier conservations

27 biological resources. areas in Nyika and Kasungu national parks.

Targets: Cross border management committees are established along shared natural resources; guidelines for cross border management of natural resources developed and implemented by 2008.

Priority Action15: Promote mechanisms for wise • Ministry of Finance in 200? Developed and use of development assistance. approved a Development cooperation manual which also includes code of

conduct regarding use of development aid. Targets: New and additional financial resources This has been basis for creation of Sector are transferred to Malawi; regulations and code Wide Approaches in Agriculture and of conduct for use of development aid are Education. There is potential for SWAP in developed and implemented by 2008 ( 2010 BD environment focusing on the Target 11.1 ). implementation of climate change programmes. Priority Action 16: Promote the participation of No progress different government agencies and collaboration with international organisations in programmes and activities to fulfil Malawi’s obligations to the CBD and related treaties and protocols. Targets: Guidelines, procedures and mechanisms for technology transfer are developed and implemented by 2010 ( 2010 BD Target 11.2 ).

Priority action 17: Provide strategic direction and • Environmental Management Act is being guidance to review and harmonize relevant revised. Relevant sectoral policies and policies and legislation and ensure that policy and legislation will have to be revised to legislation are in line with the Convention on conform to the revised Act giving emphasis Biological Diversity and other international on strengthening law enforcement. conventions. Targets: Sectoral policies are revised to incorporate biodiversity issues by 2008.

Priority action 18: Establish alternative financing • Apart from the existing Trust Funds, MMCT, mechanisms that will minimize resource MEET and EF, no new trust funds have expenditure and encourage close collaboration been established for the past five years. between sectors. • There is an opportunity to establish a Trust Fund for the long term management of the Nyika Transfrontier Project, under the Targets: Biodiversity Trust funds are established

28 and fully operational; guidelines for establishing proposed World Bank\Norway support biodiversity working groups are developed and implemented by 2008.

Priority action 19: Promote enforcement and • The Environmental Management Bill compliance to policy, legislation and international provides for establishment of an convention through the creation and independent Environmental Management empowerment of an independent Environmental Authority. This will be responsible for Protection Agency. overall management of environmental activities in Malawi.

Targets: Environmental Protection Agency is established and operational by 2007.

Priority action 20: Develop human, institutional • University of Malawi has been offering a and national capacities to identify, monitor and master degree in environmental sciences manage biodiversity through training for target and more than 100 students from Forestry groups in relevant courses including taxonomy, Department, Department of Environment natural resources management, biodiversity Affairs, Fisheries Department have been assessment and ethnobiology. trained since the programme started.

• Universities of Malawi and Mzuzu are offering undergraduate course in natural Targets: Diplomas, certificates, BSc ands degrees resources management and this has in Biodiversity management are established and improved human capacity in the fully functional in universities and other natural environmental sector. resource management training institutions by 2010; relevant posts (e.g. taxonomists, ecologists, geneticists) and training opportunities are identified and implemented by 2010. Priority action 21: Instil a biodiversity culture in No progress the youth of Malawi and local communities by developing guidelines on environmental education and curricula for schools and establishment of in-service training programmes for teachers. Targets: Curricula and guidelines for primary and secondary schools are developed and fully implemented. Training needs and institutions for teachers are identified, prioritized and promoted; guidelines for community participation and education for environmental and natural resources management are developed and fully implemented by 2010.

Priority action 22: Establish and provide capacity • Guidelines for cooperation and for operationalizing the national CHM and participation of institutions in the CHM are

29 strengthen and implement the existing CHM developed. institutional structure, and develop national • Relevant staff has been trained in the biodiversity databases. operation and management of the CHM.

• CHM for Malawi has been developed Targets: Policy guidelines on biodiversity published. information management are developed and/or reviewed; regulations and guidelines on biodiversity information standards and on access and benefit sharing of biodiversity information developed by 2010.

2.4 Contribution of NBSAP to the implementation of CBD articles and national programmes The Malawi NBSAP was developed after a thorough assessment of biodiversity components. Choice of components to be studies was made based on their contribution to the implementation of CBD Articles. The relationship between the thematic areas and article of the CBD as envisaged during the preparation of the NBSAP is provided in Table 10. This section highlights contributions the NBSAP has made towards the implementation of CBD articles and objectives. A preliminary assessment of the extent to which the Malawi NBSAP has contributed to the achievements of the CBD articles and objectives was done in 2008. Results were presented at a workshop organised by the EAD and it is clear from the results that substantial progress has been made toward the realisation of some CBD articles. The biggest problem in Malawi has been the lack of policy guidance on biodiversity conservation, lack of plan of action for the implementation of the NBSAP and weak coordination mechanism and lack of monitoring and evaluation system. To improve the situation, Malawi is currently revising the Environmental Management Act (an overarching legal framework for the management of environment in Malawi). The revised act when passed by Parliament will have comprehensive guidelines and legal framework for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The lack of a coordination unit in biodiversity and environment in general will be addressed by the proposed Environmental Protection Authority. These achievements are in line with the requirements of Article 6 of the Convention which requires parties to come up with enabling legislations for the conservation of biodiversity. In keeping with the requirements of Article 15 on suitable use of agrobiodiversity and decision V\5 of CoP5 regarding the work programme on Agricultural Biodiversity Malawi is in the process of developing an agrobiodiversity policy. Among other things the policy will provide for mechanisms for protection of indigenous knowledge and benefit sharing that may arise from using the materials collected from farmers. Issues of Access and Benefit sharing are important for Malawi and in line with provisions of Article 8 of the Convention, Malawi developed guidelines for access to genetic resources and has also included measures to regulate access to genetic resources in the revised Environmental Management Act. In keeping with Article 14 of the Convention regarding impact assessment and minimising adverse effects on biodiversity, Malawi in 1997 developed comprehensive guidelines for EIAs.

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In line with this provision EIAs are carried out for all programmes (e.g. road maintenance rehabilitation Programme, irrigation, education, health programmes, and hydroelectric scheme). EIAs have played an important role in shaping developmental projects with potential impacts on the environment and well being of the people. The case of Kayelekela Uranium mine in the northern region of Malawi clearly shows that the EIAs provided guidelines on how the effects of effluents from the mine on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity would be mitigate. Issues of biotechnology are partially regulated by the Biosafety Act of 2003, which was developed in response to the Cartagena Protocol. In line with the Biosafety Act regulations and guidelines for management of GMOs have been developed. Malawi also developed a comprehensive National Biotechnology Policy and Biosafety Policy which was approved by parliament in 2008. Regulations on management of Genetically Modified Organisms were developed in 2007. These achievements are a testimony that Malawi has made significant progress in the implementation of the requirements of Article 19 (on handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits). Table 11. Relationship between thematic areas and CBD Article Thematic area Targeted CBD article Terrestrial biodiversity Article 7. Identification and monitoring. Article 8. In situ conservation Aquatic biodiversity Article 7. Identification and monitoring. Article 8. In situ conservation. Sustainable use of biological Article 8. In situ conservation resources Article 9. ex situ conservation Article 10. Sustainable use of components of biological diversity Traditional knowledge, access and Article 15. Access to genetic resources. benefit sharing Article 8j. Indigenous knowledge systems Biotechnology Article 19. Handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits Invasive species Article 7. Identification and monitoring. Article 8. In situ conservation Article 9. ex situ conservation Article 10. Sustainable use of components of biological diversity Biodiversity policies and legislation Article 6. General measures for conservation and sustainable use Community participation and Article 13. Public education and awareness

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awareness Article 11. Incentive measures Information, knowledge and Article 17. Exchange of information capacity Article 16. Access and transfer of technology. Incentive measures Article 11. Incentive measure Malawi’s role in Global Biodiversity Article 22. Relationship with other international conservation conventions. Technical and scientific cooperation. Article 5. Cooperation

2.5 Progress on implementation of the NBSAP Although the NBSAP was published in 2006, it has not been widely disseminated and publicised in Malawi. As a result the NBSAP has not been followed up by key stakeholders and its implementation has been uncoordinated. In order to ensure and facilitate a coordinated approach to the implementation of the NBSAP, a workshop was arranged in April 2009 to document achievements made by key stakeholders, identify challenges associated with the implementation and map a way forward in order to speed up implementation. The implementation structure provided in the NBSAP does not articulate clearly an action plan, mechanisms and structures for reporting and monitoring. The reporting structure would facilitate monitoring of the extent to which key stakeholders contribute to the implementation of key actions of the NBSAP. Thus the lack of the reporting structure, coupled with inadequate coordination and follow up by key stakeholders constrained the EAD to follow up the extent of NBSAP implementation. It must also be recognised that the NBSAP has been in operation for four years and as such the timeframe for reporting is too short to warrant detailed reporting on all 192 actions individually. Progress made towards the implementation of the 22 Priority Actions has been provided in section 2.3. This section therefore will highlight major achievements for each thematic area focusing on progress made towards achieving desirable outcomes that the NBSAP envisioned to achieve for each thematic area by the year 2020. 2.5.1 Terrestrial biodiversity The NBSAP identified the following seven desirable outcomes in relation to conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial biodiversity. It was envisaged that when fully implemented terrestrial ecosystems and species within them will be conserved sustainably leading to increase in number and distributional range of ecosystems and species. However, activities that have so far been implemented are yet to contribute to the realisation of these outcomes. Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Significant progress made in the • Limited work on restoration of degraded conservation of species, habitats and ecosystems is being implemented by the ecosystems important for terrestrial Forestry Department in collaboration with biodiversity leading to increase in area NGOs. For example the MMCT planted 150

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under protection (such as forests and Ha of Mulanje cedar bringing the total area grasslands) and restoration of degraded under cedar to 850 Ha. The Forestry areas. Department is implementing a restoration programme of degraded forest reserves

such that Thyolo, Ndilande and Soche forest reserves.

• Through the translocation programme Majete Wildlife Reserve has been restoked

with a wide range of mammals and this has resulted in an increase in elephants from zero in 2003 to 215 currently and the

number of black rhinos from zero to 7 currently.

• Fisheries Department developed a strategy to restore Chambo (Tilapia) and this has

contributed in an increased in chambo catched.

• Through Public Private Partnership with DNPW, African Parks is managing Majete

Wildlife Reserve and as a result mammals that were once extinct have been restored (Box 1).

• Malawi has made significant progress towards improving biodiversity knowledge base through the following activities. • Database of botanical collection. This has facilitated preparation of national checklist of plants and preparation of inventories and packaging of biodiversity information in a format • Significant number of private landowners most suitable to users. are managing and protecting species and habitats leading to a reduction in number • Capacity building. Appropriate staff of species requiring in situ and ex situ has been trained in collection and conservation. management of biological collections (plants, fish, birds, mammals and

insects).

• Collaborative research on propagation and management of medicinal plants.

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• Through the Millennium Seed bank Project around 950 species classified • An understanding of the extent of as endangered, threatened, Malawi's terrestrial biodiversity through economically wild plants have been inventories and systematic research has conserved ex situ at the National Plant been achieved. Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC) with duplicates in the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Garden, London UK.

• Programmes and mechanisms to prevent • FRIM has an invasive alien species establishment of pests including management programme for forestry prevention of introductions, control and species. Through the programme eradication of alien invasive species populations of invasive cypress alphids has identified and implemented, resulting in reduced significantly. less frequencies of pests and reduced • MoAFS has been implementing an invasive impact of invasive species on terrestrial alien species programme of cassava ecosystems. mealybug and larger grain borer. This has reduced the populations of mealybug and thereby protecting the cassava germplasma.

• A clear understanding of threats to • Threats to biodiversity have been studied. biodiversity and ecosystems has been • If species assess during the Millenium Seed achieved and avoided or mitigated. band project are approved, the list of Malawi's Red Data Lists have been revised species on the national red data list will and contribute to better decision-making increase. on species recovery programmes and ex situ conservation.

• Clear government guidelines and No progress strategies on the conservation of mountain biodiversity and ecosystems facilitate community participation leading to gazetting more mountains as protected areas.

• A significant increase in the number of • Forest Reserves have increased from 85 in protected areas will lead to increased 1998 to 88 currently. This will increase to protection of a representative range of 91 when the proposed three forest reserves ecosystems and species and provision of are approved. This will lead to an increase legal status to some important in protection of a representative ranges of ecosystems that are currently under ecosystems and species. customary and private land tenure • Danish Hunters Association is in

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systems. collaboration with lake Chilwa communities protecting bird sanctuaries in lake Chilwa

wetland. Plans are underway to make lake Chilwa a community protected area. This will facilitate protection and sustainable use of birds in the wetland.

2.5.2 Aquatic biodiversity, Progressing in achievement the following desirable outputs as set out in the NBSAP has been little. It was envisaged however that actions related to conservation of aquatic biodiversity will lead to improved understanding and conservation of aquatic ecosystems and species within them.

Desirable outcome by 2020 Progress

• Inventories of all aquatic ecosystems and • An inventory of aquatic species, covering species available, guidelines to promote fish, amphibians, plants, invertebrates etc research especially in the areas of ecology of lake Malawi basin was collected during and taxonomy, and threats to biodiversity the Lake Malawi biodiversity project. This developed. is yet to be updated.

• Increased public knowledge about the • Through public awareness campaigns by importance of aquatic ecosystems and the Department of Fisheries messasges their current threats has been achieved on importance of aquatic ecosystems are through public awareness and education disseminated to stakeholders. campaigns.

• Policies and legislation related to aquatic • National Water Policy promotes a holistic biodiversity and ecosystems are and an integrated approach in water harmonised and strengthened and are resources management and is supporting conservation and management harmonised with the Forestry Policy, of aquatic biodiversity. Fisheries Policy, Energy Policy, Hydro power, Eco-Toursism and recreation

policies. The policy provides for regular pollution control inspections on waste disposal facilities especially in tourist infrastructure adjacent to water bodies. In relation to forestry management, the policy promotes participation in integrated planning, development and management of the water resources

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catchment areas with the forestry department.

• Management plans for various types of • Total LandCare is implementing an aquatic ecosystems based on holistic and integrated watershed management integrated approach put in place and project within Lake Malawi catchment. instituted in a co-management Project activities such as conservation arrangement. This will lead to an increase agriculture, reforestation, agroforestry in number of aquatic protected areas and will lead to reduced soil erosion and increase in protection of a representative thereby decrease the amount of sediment range of aquatic ecosystems and species. load into the lake. • There is an opportunity for improved ecosystem functioning of aquatic ecosystems of the Shire River Basin through the proposed Shire River Basin Watershed Management Project being developed by the World Bank. The project will target restoration of heavily degraded areas.

• Lake Chilwa Basin Climate Change Project aims to build the resilience of communities and natural resources to adapt to effect of climate change and also reduce environmental degradation.

2.5.3 Sustainable use of genetic resource The NBSAP set out an ambitious agenda in order to achieve sustainable use of genetic resources by 2020. Without follow up and an elaborate implementation action plan it is not surprising that little progress has been made towards achieving the following desirable outcomes. Desirable outcomes Progress

• Guidelines and procedures for • Draft guidelines for sustainable use of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity have been developed and waits forest, fish, and wildlife biological approval of the National Biodiversity Steering diversity are in place and are resulting in Committee. the improvement in ecological functioning of forests and aquatic ecosystems.

• Mechanisms for stakeholder • The NPGRC disseminates information participation in collection, through: participation in agricultural shows, characterisation, research and storage of field days and the website. Under the Global biological resources, including Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources,

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programmes for public awareness and the Centre has established a National education on the role and importance of Information Sharing Mechanism (NISM). This pollinators, soil flora and fauna in is a partnership among stakeholders that maintaining the agricultural diversity are contribute to the conservation and contributing substantially to sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources maintenance of domesticated and for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) in Malawi. indigenous species important for The aim of NISM is to foster exchange of agricultural production and food information and in line with this the centre security. has website to promote information sharing www.pgrfa.org/gpa/mwi/welcome.htmx .

• Integrated policy and institutional • Malawi has initiated a process to develop framework are encouraging and and put in place an agrobiodiversity policy to facilitating a coordinated approach to guide sustainable use of biological resources. conservation and sustainable use of The policy has provisions for access and biological diversity. benefit sharing, mitigation and adaptations to climate change etc and when in place will

promote a coordinated approach to conservation of agrobiodiversity in Malawi.

• Guidelines and procedures to enhance, • Malawi developed a Plant breeder’s bill protect and encourage customary use of which includes farmer’s rights. The bill awaits biological resources in keeping with approval of parliament. traditional practices that are compatible with sustainable use of biological resources are in place.

• Guidelines and mechanisms to promote • Malawi has for the past 20 years been and facilitate on-farm management, implementing an ex situ and in situ utilisation and conservation of biological programme for the conservation of diversity are developed and are agricultural biodiversity through the National encouraging conservation of biodiversity Plant Genetic Resource Centre (NPGRC). on customary land. Currently the centre has collected and characterised over 3000 accession of

indigenous crops. In addition, the centre has a programme to reintroduce lost crop varieties such as millet, yams, Livingston potato, groundnuts, bambara nuts and local varieties of maize in drought prone areas with full participation of communities. Furthermore the centre has an on-going conservation programme of indigenous crops species and has so far reintroduced finger millet in Mzimba, sorghum in Nsanje and chikwawa and bambara nuts in Lilongwe.

• Mechanisms and guidelines to enhance • The Poverty and Environment Initiative (with

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research, human and institutional support from UNEP) commissioned a study capacities are promoting investigations to evaluate the economic importance of into the relationships between natural resources. The study focused on the sustainable use and conservation of contribution of forests, soils, fish, wildlife to biological resources, and subsequently the economy. It has been established that leading to realisation of the full potential forests contributes about 6.1 % to the GDP, of Malawi’s biological diversity in socio fisheries contributes about 4% and wildlife economic development. contributes about 2.7% to the GDP. These results will be used by policy makers to make

sound decisions on resource allocation to conserve Malawi’s natural resources.

2.5.4 Indigenous knowledge, access and benefit sharing Little progress has been made towards achieving desirable outcomes for the above thematic area for 2020. Despite this the following may be considered as major achievements. Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Guidelines for the enhancement of • No progress preservation and maintenance of indigenous knowledge and the innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities are promoting sustainable use of biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising for the use of biological resources.

• Policy guidelines and legislation that have • Malawi is at the moment reviewing the provisions to facilitate the implementation of Environmental Management Act. The bill Article 15 of the CBD and integrate the Bonn which awaits parliamentary enactment has a Guidelines on access to genetic resources and comprehensive coverage of Access and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits Benefit Sharing procedure and guidelines. arising out of the use of genetic resources are

promoting access to genetic resources, utilisation and bioprospecting in accordance with international conventions and national regulations.

• Guidelines and procedures on public • The National Parks and Wildlife Act awareness on access and benefit sharing and (amended 2004) has clear guidelines on on utilisation of indigenous knowledge are sharing of benefits with communities that empowering local communities and are leave within the park boundaries. This also enabling them to have bargaining power to applies to the Forestry Department which negotiate fair and equitable terms of access has clear guidelines on benefit sharing. and benefit sharing both at national and international levels.

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• Biological resources, products and processes • The relevant IPR legislation in Malawi is the other than plants and animals are protected Patents Act. This deals with Industrial by patents and plant varieties are protected inventions and was not designed with by some form of IPRs. specific attention to biological resources. As currently defined most of the indigenous

technologies which are passed from generation to generation may not be recognised. In order to correct the situation work is under way to integrate the African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders.

• MoAFS drafted Plant Variety Bill which should also integrate relevant sections of the African Model Legislation.

• Guidelines and procedures to ensure • When approve the revisd EMA will include equitable and fair distribution of benefits to regulations to facilitate equitable sharing of Malawi stakeholders are in place. benefits. • DNPW through its Access and benefit sharing programmes (which comprises, Resource use Programme, revenue sharing) has clear guidelines on sharing benefits with surrounding communities.

2.5.5 Biotechnology Biotechnology is relatively new in Malawi and there are neither commercialized GM crops nor confined field trials. Malawi however has made some notable advances by putting in place policy and legal framework for the promotion and safe use of biotechnology and its products. When assess against desirable outcomes set out in the NBSAP it may be stated that Malawi has made significant progress in achieving outcomes related to biotechnology. Issues of biotechnology are partially regulated by the Biosafety Act, which was developed in response to the Cartagena Protocol.

Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• A definitive biotechnology policy • Malawi in 2008 developed and adopted a governing the development and handling National Biotechnology and Biosafety of biotechnology in Malawi is developed policy. and implemented.

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• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and • In 2007, Malawi developed Biosafety the Biosafety Act of 2002 are enforced Regulations to guide management of fully for the creation of an enabling Genetically Modified Organisms. environment for the environmentally • There are three Standing Operating sound application of biotechnology. Procedures documents in place to guide biosafety issues namely Confined Field Trial Guidelines, Trial Manager’s and Inspector’s Handbook. These might first be used when the first Confined Field Trial in Bt cotton to be conducted will be conducted at Bunda College is approved.

• Guidelines are available to guide public • No Progress awareness programmes on biotechnology and its products and biosafety issues surrounding the technology.

• Human and infrastructure capacity is • More than 20 people from various developed in the field of biotechnology. departments have attended short courses on handling of GMOs aimed at assisting

Malawi build capacity in GMOs.

• The University of Malawi through the MBERU has trained students at post graduate level in the area of molecular biology.

• Staff from the University, MoAFS, Forestry Department, Fisheries Department have obtained higher degrees in molecular biology and biotechnology.

2.5.6 Invasive species When compared against the desirable outcomes, it would appear that Malawi has not made a significant progress towards the implementation of CBD requirements on Invasive Alien Species. However a number of activities are being implemented that focus on eradication and preventions of IAS some of which are summarised in the table below. Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Education, training and public • Issues of IAS are among environmental issues awareness programmes have been tought in schools. In addition, the public is developed and are operational and informed about the dangers of IAS through have made the Malawi public more the print and electronic media although

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aware about the biology, impacts these have focused on water hyancith, larger (economic, social and environmental) grain borer and invasive fish species, e.g. the and ecology of invasive species common carp. including risks posed by them

• Standardised procedures and guidelines • No progress regarding development of for identification, risk assessment, standardised procedures and guidelines for socioeconomic impact assessment, IAS management have been developed. reporting systems, prevention, control Despite this a number of activities are bening and eradication methodologies of implemented that are contributed to invasive species are in place and are eradication on IAS by the Forestry contributing to the reduction in number Department, Department of Fisheries, MMCT of invasive species and or and Electricity Commission of Malawi. establishment of new alien invasive species as well as minimizing the spatial distribution and frequency of introductions of invasive species.

• Significant progress is made in the No progress development of mechanisms for transboundary cooperation, multilateral cooperation and coordination of national programmes including establishment or strengthening of a coordinating unit to coordinate invasive species programmes.

• In line with CBD guiding principles for • The NEP provides for the control of IAS. The the prevention, introduction and revised sectoral policies (Forestry Policy, mitigation of impacts of alien species, Wildlife policy, Fisheries Policy) also provide enabling policies and legislation for control and eradication of IAS. including institutions are developed and • The Plant Protection Act prohibit are guiding national management and introduction of alien species and has surveillance of invasive species provisions for assessment of introduced programmes and research; invasive species through quarantine. species considerations are integrated into sectoral policies and programs.

• Research guidelines are in place and are No progress promoting coordinated research and community participation in invasive species research.

The Department of Fisheries continues to implement a water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes control programmes using a combination of techniques ranging from mechanical removal and

41 biological control methods. Biological control methods were used the long-term suppression of the water hyacinth using natural enemies. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has an IAS management programme that focused on the control of invasive alien cassava mealybug ( Phenacoccus manihoti ) with a diverse range of parasitoids and predators and control of the neotropical cassava green mite ( Mononychellus tanajoa ) with a diverse range of predatory mites most of which were indigenous. MoAFS has also a comprehensive programme for the control and eradication of the invasive larger grain borer. The Forestry Department has a number of IAS activities which include: a. Biological control of cypress aphids- During the 1990s, FRIM introduced Pauesia juniperorum a biological control agent against cypress aphids ( Cinara cupressivora ). Of late, the major activities of the project have been to monitor the impact and performance of the biological control agent in various parts of the country. The most recent studies investigated the performance of the aphids and their biological control agents on host trees. It has been observed that P. juniperorum is capable of reducing the population of cypress aphids by up to about 30%. b. Eradication of Pines and Himalayan raspberry on Mulanje- since 2005, MMCT and the Department of Forestry has been carrying out activities to eradicate forest invasive plant species on Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. To date, more than 650 hectares have been cleared of invasive species (pine) by manual removal. c. Networking FRIM has taken a leading role in the establishment and management of an Africa-wide network on forest invasive species. The network aims to share knowledge and experiences on forest invasive species in the region. Through the network, potential threats e.g. Sinex noctilio pest of pine trees in South Africa and Zimbabwe and Leptocybe inrasa pest on eucalyptus have been identified. The eucalyptus bug has already been reported in Malawi. Malawi also has an opportunity to eradicate bracken fern (Pteridium aquilanium ) from Nyika Plateau under the proposed Nyika TFCA project. Bracken fern has displaced a number plant species of Nyika Plateau. Despite the above achievekents, implementation of IAS programmes is challenged by a number of factors such as: i) Uncoordinated programs, with no specific line authority mandated to coordinate IAS activities, ii) Weak border control and quarantine activities, mainly due to inadequate human and infrastructure capacity, iii) Limited resources such that invasive species control is restricted to priority areas, iv) Uncertainty about the environmental, social and economic risk and long-term of forestry invasive species, v) Insufficient public education and awareness on invasive species and their impacts,

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vi) Inadequate platform for collaborative and coordinated actions on invasive species both nationally and cross-border, vii) Ineffective and outdated legislation and regulatory/policy frameworks for addressing invasive species and their impacts, viii) Insufficient information, research on control, eradication, prevention and management of invasive species.

2.5.7 Biodiversity policies and legislation In Malawi, biodiversity conservation is not government by a single legislation but by all sectoral policies and legislations dealing with various components of biodiversity such as the Forestry Policy, Fisheries Policy, National Parks and Wildlife Policy. These sectoral policies and legislations were revised to conform to requirements of NEP and EMA. However, the NBSAP considers EMA as an inadequate act when it comes to conservation of biodiversity since it lacks provisions for access and benefit sharing, mandate for endangered species, designation of critical habitats and ecosystems. These may be some of the reasons that might have triggered revision of the Environmental Management Act which started before publication of the NBSAP.

Desirable outcome by 2020 Progress

• Roles of government, NGOs and the • The roles of government, NGOs and the private sector in biodiversity conservation private sectors in biodiversity and sustainable use have been identified, conservation are clearly defined in NEP, defined and prioritised. NBSAP and the Local Government Policy.

• Biodiversity objectives as defined in the • Malawi incorporated biodiversity NEP and relevant sections of international objectives into sectoral policies during the conventions and treaties have been policy reform which was undertaken in reviewed and incorporated into all sectoral order to align the sectoral policies with policies and legislation. requirement of NERP and CBD.

• Government has mandated a technical • Malawi in 2006 initiated a process to department under an independent revise the Environment Management Act. Environmental Protection Authority to The revised Act has provisions for implement and enforce biodiversity establishment of an independent policies and legislation. Environmental Protection Authority. This will be responsible for e an overall

coordination of environmental management in Malawi including law enforcement.

• Significant political will has been created • An addendum on MGDS on environment leading to a significant improved was approved and climate change

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government leadership in fulfilling together with environment has been international conventions and treaties. included in the MDGS as one of the priority areas. This has enabled Malawi to allocate more resources through the national budget to climate change activities.

• Increased public awareness of various biodiversity-related policies and legislation.

• Significant progress is made to identify and • The Policy review undertaken during the harmonise conflicting and non- NBSAP process identified a number of complementing sectoral policies. policy deficiencies as follows: o The Forestry Act was developed without extensive consultation and without specific reference to EMA. It may be necessary to harmonize the two Acts, particularly with regard to provisions relating to declaration and revocation of Forest Reserves and environmental impact assessment. On this recognition, Malawi has initiated a process to revise the forestry policy and act. o There is also need to harmonize the Forestry Act with Land Act, the Electricity Act, the Local Government Act and the National Parks and Wildlife Act since their provisions affect, directly or otherwise, forestry issues. For example, the Local Government Act gives powers to local authorities to carry out reafforestation programmes and manage forests in their areas of jurisdiction. It appears that these powers may be exercised independent of and exclusive from the Department of Forestry. o The Fisheries Act does not provide for provision of incentives to aquaculture farmers to encourage them to engage in fish farming.

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o The Wilife Act of 1992 had no provision for buffer zones. There was need, therefore, to revise relevant sections of the Act to provide for creation of buffer zones for all national parks and to incorporate provisions for the involvement of communities in wildlife management. In this recognition, the Act was amended in 2004 to incorporate issues of collaborative management and benefit sharing.

2.5.8 Community participation and awareness Malawi recognises that the environment is intrinsically connected to the social and economic fabrics of the rural communities, providing ecosystem services ranging from provision of food, nutrient recycling, regulation of abundant undesirable organisms, etc. Despite the many functions, and government programmes on environmental management, Malawi still experiences serious environmental degradation. This is due in part to the lack of understanding and appreciation by communities of the importance of biodiversity in sustaining life. This is the reason why sustainable conservation of biodiversity requires more than just financial investment; it also requires greater knowledge and understanding of the importance of the biodiversity by all stakeholders, particularly rural communities who are often the most affected by the impacts of environmental degradation. Community participation in natural resources management is provided for in the NEP. At the community level community participation is facilitated by the Local Government Policy which promotes community participation through local level committees such as Village Development Committees.

Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Communities participate in planning, • In line with NEP, sectoral policies have management and implementation of provisions for community participation. This biodiversity programmes and law has facilitated community participation in enforcement through natural resources forestry, fisheries and national parks through community associations. Area Development Committees. For example, through community participation

the Department of Forestry have signed 6 co- management agreements with communities around Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. The Fisheries Department has signed co- management arrangements with Chia

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Lagoon fishermen Association for the co- management of Chia lagoon. This has facilitated identification and conservation of fish sanctuaries in the lagoon.

• Primary, secondary and tertiary curricula • Malawi in response to requirements of the revised and strengthened to incorporate NEP which seeks to promote sustainable issues of biodiversity conservation and social and economic development through sustainable use. enhanced public and political awareness, in 1996 published a National Environmental

Education and Communication Strategy. The strategy continues to guide implementation of public awareness in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and has facilitated inclusion of environmental concerns including climate change into the school curriculum at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. UNIMA and MZUNI now offer environmental and natural resources courses at undergraduate and post gradiuate levels.

• The public, especially the children, are more • In response to the Environment Education aware of the value of biodiversity through and Communication Strategy and in close schools and community programmes. collaboration with the EAD, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM),

continue to sensitive and instil environmental culture in the youth and the general public through wildlife clubs in schools, thematic publication, radio and TV programme, and education visits to areas of ecological importance.

• Local stakeholders including researchers, • Malawi has just published its CHM which will professionals and private resource managers improve availability, sharing and exchange of have adequate information about biodiversity biodiversity information. in their areas and that indigenous knowledge is incorporated into biodiversity management programmes.

• The private sector actively participates in • Malawi Environmental Endowment Trust biodiversity conservation and sustainable use operates a small grants scheme for through provision of adequate financial environmental activities. MEET has provided resources at the local community level. funding for the construction of an electric fence in Kasungu National Park, provided

support for bee keeping activities in Mulanje Forest Reserve and has recently provided support for the biodiversity project of Zomba

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Malosa Forest Reserves.

• African Parks Majete contributes significantly to conservation of biodiversity in Malawi. Through its conservation programme the vegetation of Majete has been restored and all the encroached areas have been recovered and revegetated. Almost all animals which were locally extinct have been reintroduced.

• Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust in collaboration with the Forestry Department has intensified law enforcement around Mulanje Mounatin Forest Reserve and this has resulted in reduced illegal cutting of Mulanje cedar.

• Guidelines and programmes for gender and • No progress has been made in the HIV/AIDs mainstreaming in Biodiversity developing guidelines and programme for conservation are promoting participatory and gender and HIV/AIDS mainstreaming. appropriate research. However, a number of mainstreaming activities are being undertaken. HIV/AIDS

mainstreaming has focused mainly on consumption of indigenous crops rich in nutrients and vitamins through home based care programmes.

2.5.9 Biodiversity Information and knowledge Information on biodiversity is available in form of published literature, grey literature, data bases of botanical, museum and fish collections. This information however has never been consolidated, packaged and made available in a format most appropriate to the users. This has affected information sharing and exchange. It was therefore envisioned by the NBSAP that biodiversity information would improve if human and infrastructure capacities were developed. Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Readily available biodiversity information • Establishment of National Information in a format and language most Sharing Mechanism through the FAO appropriate to the end user. Biodiversity International programme has brought many stakeholders together to

understand the importance of conserving plant genetic resources. The initiative has also assisted raise awareness on the status and importance of plant genetic

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resources locally, regionally and internationally through the website www.pgrfa.org/gpa/mwi/welcome.htmx .

• Through the PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa) Project biodiversity information has been collected, complited and packaged in formats most appropriate to end users. The information is available on line ( www.prota.org ) and in print.

• Well maintained and regularly updated • Little progress has been made in updating inventories of taxonomic groups to national inventories of vatious facilitate efficient monitoring and biodiversity components. identification of biodiversity.

• Made sufficient progress in filling the • Through the SOBONET project, Malawi existing scientific information gaps in the collected information about distribution, following areas: species identification and conservation status and uses of plants of classification, natural products research Malawi. including medicinal plants, ecosystems • Through the Nyika Biodiversity Support management and systematics. Project funded by the Government of Norway, conservation status, distribution, uses and the extent of diversity of plants of Nyika National Park has been collected and databased.

• Medicinal plants projects being undertaken by FRIM and the NHBG has collected new information and is facilitating conservation of rare medicinal plants through cultivations in medicinal gardens.

• Made noticeable progress in the • Approximately 100,000 plant specimens collection, classification, identification and are housed at the National Herbarium in management of biological collections of Zomba. different taxonomic groups. • About 3000 accessions of plant genetic resources are housed at the NPGRC. • Fish specimens collected from Lake Malawi and other water bodies have been characterised classified and are housed at the Fisheries Research Unit in Monkey Bay.

• The Museums of Malawi collects and

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keeps biological material of various biodiversity components ranging from birds, snakes, mammals etc.

• The University of Malawi, Makoka Research Station, FRIM and Bunda College are maintaining a large collection insect of Malawi. Malawi had previously planned to create an insect museum based on these collections, but this was constrained by lack of funding.

• Guidelines and mechanisms for • The EAD is in the process of developing information sharing and exchange. guidelines for information sharing and participation of institutions in the CHM.

• With funding from UNEP Malawi has developed CHM for biodiversity conservation. Relevant staff has been trained in the operation and management of the CHM within Environmental Affaires Department.

2.5.10 Incentive measures The proposals for design and implementation of incentive measures as annexed to decision VI/15 were taken into consideration during preparation of strategies and actions in the NBSAP thematic area for incentive measures. However, although the NEP provides for mechanisms for economic incentives for sustainable management of the environment in Section 3.2, there are no true incentives in biodiversity conservation in Malawi. The only measures that provide some kind of incentives for biodiversity conservations are those related to benefit sharing in CBNRM. In Malawi, some kind of access and benefit sharing is provided for in the Forestry Policy, Fisheries Conservation and Management Policy, Wildlife Policy and National Parks and Wildlife Act (2004) as amended. The Wildlife Policy is significant as it promotes granting of use rights to communities who legitimately use the land on which wildlife occurs, recognises the importance of equitable distribution of benefits and revenues derived from sustainable use of wildlife resources. In line with this policy, DNPW is implementing the following programmes: Resource Use Programme, which allows harvesting selected wildlife resources by adjacent communities; wildlife related enterprises, and revenue sharing with adjacent communities. Resource Use Programmes are also practiced in Forestry and Fisheries.

Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Policies, laws and institutional • Malawi natural resources conservation was frameworks are revised or developed wholly state controlled which focused on to remove or minimize potential policing. This encouraged illegal harvesting

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perverse incentives of resources such that black rhino and elephant populations were completely

wiped out in Mwavi and Majete Wildlife reserves. Nyika National Park experienced a decline of animal population of 80%. To reverse the situation, there was a policy shift from policing to collaborative management and as a result the Forestry Policy, Fisheries Conservation and Wildlife Policy and the Wildlife Policy were revised to promote collaborative management.

• Guidelines and procedures for the • The livelihoods of communities in Nyika- application of ways and means to Vwaza area have improved through remove or mitigate policies and Resource Use Programmes. RUP provides practices that generate perverse immediate tangible benefits to communities incentives are promoting community and this has encouraged their participation participation in biodiversity in biodiversity conservation in PAs. conservation and improving Economic value for harvesting resources livelihoods of rural communities. from PAs is valued at about US$200,000 per annum.

• The National Parks and Wildlife Act provides for sharing of 50% of Park entry fees and 20% of concession fees with communities. The revenue sharing programme has been piloted in Nyika-Vwaza area and between 2004 and 2008 the Nyika-Vwaza Association has collectes US$7000 annually. The funds have been used to construct school blocks, teachers’ houses, health centres and boreholes. These benefit sharing programmes have promoted community participation in construction of fences, clearing of boundaries and surrendering of muzzle loading guns in Nyika-Vwaza.

• African Parks Majete is also implementing RUP and revenue sharing programme. This has contributed to significant reduction in poaching and encroachment into the reserve.

• DNPW, based on lessons learned from Nyika-Vwaza will be implementing RUP and Revenue Sharing Programmes in Liwonde and Lake Malawi national parks.

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• Co-management arrangements in forestry have been a source of income to communities through sharing of revenues earned from confiscation of illegal forest products and IGAs such as bee keeping.

• Communities involved in co-management forestry arrangements have potential to earn income through carbon points through the REDD initiatives. The Forestry Department with funding from USAID assessed carbon potential of Mkuwazi Forest Reserve and Thazima Forest in the northern region of Malawi. Estimated carbon stocks were 211,889±23,694 tC in the 1,767 ha of Mkuwazi Forest Reserve and 995,446±120,385 tC in the 35,910 ha of Thazima region of Nyika National Park. Based on these estimates, it was projected that Mkuwazi and Thazima would make about US$39,400 and US$141,888 per year over a period of 50 years respectively.

• Significant progress made in • No progress. However, recognising the role developing and or adopting tools and of incentive measures in promoting methodologies for valuation of community participation in biodiversity biodiversity and biological resources conservation the EAD has initiated a process with funding from UNEP to conduct an

assessment of incentive measures. It is envisioned that the assessment will feed into preparation of guidelines for incentive measures.

• Institutional framework is in place and • Implementation of incentive measures is facilitating implementation and follows a sectoral approach. In National effective monitoring, enforcement Parks and Wildlife Natural Resources, and evaluation of incentive measures. Committees (e.g. Nyika-Vwaza Association, Upper Shire Association, Village Trusts in

and around Lake Malawi National Park, and Lower Shire Association for Lengwe national Park) are the unit of production and these have to be legally registered in order to work with DNPW. The DNPW provides overall guidance and direction. A similar arrangement is applicable in Forestry and Fisheries.

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2.5.11 Malawi’s role in Global Biodiversity Conservation Malawi has an international obligation to implement all articles and work programmes of the Convention. Malawi’s commitment to global biological conservation dates back four decades ago when, after attaining independence, Malawi, in 1966, signed a number of conventions such as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Water Fowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention, 1971), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. The signing and ratification of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity also confirms Malawi’s continued commitment to contribute towards conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. In conformity with some of the above conventions, Malawi has designated the following sites of internation biodiversity importance: Lake Chilwa (was designated a Ramsar Site in 1997; Nankumba Peninsula was declared the Lake Malawi National Park and further declared a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and Mulanje Mountain was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) in 2000.

Desirable outcomes by 2020 Progress

• Malawi contributes to a global vision of • Malawi has made substantial contribution implementing the biological resources towards CBD decisions through: management by participating in o Activily participates in CoPs and international fora, sharing information and SABSTA meetings since 1992. expertise and fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation in biodiversity o Chaired first SABSTA and also hosted conservation efforts. an ecosystem approach conference in 1998 where principles of Ecosystem Approach were first discussed and recommended to CoP for further consideration. o Membership to CBD bureau.

• The contributions that Malawi makes to CoP discussions are therefore not only important at the national level but also at the global level.

• Malawi continues to plays an important • Through collaboration with the role in protecting biodiversity nationally Millennium Seed Bank, approximately 950 regionally and globally. accessions have been collected and are stored at NPGRC with duplicates at the

Millennium Seed Bank in Kew, London.

• Through a Memorandum of Understanding between Malawi and Zambia, biodiversity and ecosystems in

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Kasungu and Nyika National Parks are being managed jointly.

• About 15% of the global total freshwater fish are found in Lake Malawi. Thus Malawi’s effort to conserve Lake Malawi cichlids is of global conservation significance.

• Malawi makes significant progress to • Biodiversity considerations have been implement the CBD in harmony with integrated into the NAPA which relevant treaties and conventions related demonstrates the link between climate to biodiversity and natural resources. change and biodiversity. • One of the cretaria for choosing Lake Chilwa wetland as a RAMSAR site was its importance as a breeding site for migratory birds. Thus by fulfilling requirements of the RAMSAR convention Malawi also implemented its obligation related to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

2.6 Constraints to the implementation of NBSAP and the way forward to improve implementation 2.6.1 Obstacles for the implementation of the NBSAP Major achievements of the NBSAP implementation include the revision of the Environmental Management Act to incorporate biodiversity issues including the proposal to establish an independent Environmental Protection Authority; initiatives to put in place an Agrobiodiversity policy; enactment of the Biotechnology and Biosafety policy in 2008; development of Biosafety Regulations and Standing Operating Procedures documents to guide management and handling of Genetically Modified Organisms in Malawi. Despite these achievements however, implementation of the NBSAP encountered a number of challenges. The first problem is in relation with government commitment when it comes to funding biodiversity activities. Biodiversity funding through the national budget is inadequate when compared to the magnitude of environmental problems in Malawi. This inadequate funding creates a challenge to institutional responsible for biodiversity management because the funding provided is not adequate for effective implementation of their work programmes. Lack of funding forces government departments not to prioritise biodiversity conservations. Although Malawi benefits from external funding, this has been irregular. In the 1990s support to biodiversity from both bilateral and multilateral donors was significant. During this period Malawi was a focal point for biodiversity conservation within the SADC region and was previlage to manage and implement regional biodiversity projects such as the Southern Africa Biodiversity Network (SABONET), SADC Biodiversity Support Programme, Lake Malawi Biodiversity Project, Mulanje Mountain Biodiversity Conservation Project. Currently the

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number of true biodiversity project has dropped and the focus at the national, regional and international levels has shifted to climate change. To ensure sustainability, projects supported by development partners should benefit from the national budget. Implementation of the NBSAP has also been affected by inadequate coordination. The Environmental Affaires Department has the overall responsibility for coordinating implementation of the NBSAP. However, currently there is no policy and legislative framework that provides institutional arrangement empowering the department for effective biodiversity coordination. This is provided in the draft Environmental Management Bill which has constituted Biodiversity Steering Committee as one of the main steering committees under the proposed Environmental Protection Agency. This means that the implementation of the NBSAP and biodiversity in general is through the National Biodiversity Steering Committee that is voluntary, ad hoc and often not prioritized because of financial constraints. The other problem with the current implementation arrangement is that although the EAD is the main institution to coordinate implementation of the NBSAP, there is no legal obligation to force institutions to implement provisions or to include the provisions of the NBSAP into their programmes. This means that the implementation of the NBSAP is haphazard, voluntary, ad hoc and often not prioritized. To improve the situation, the EAD should establish Coordinating unit and a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit for effective monitoring of biodiversity programmes. Emphasis should be on establishments of a participatory monitoring and evolution system. An overall National Biodiversity policy should be developed to guide implementation of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use including agrobiodiversity. Implementation of specific areas such as agrobiosiversity, invasive alien species, incentive measures etc may be guided by strategies. This means that specific policies for these areas may not be necessary.

2.7 International and domestic funding dedicated to priority biodiversity activities 2.7.1 Government funding The NBSAP is a product of a consultative process involving a wide range of stakeholders especially those concerned with the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. Implementation of the NBSAP therefore is the responsibility all government institutions involved in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Malawi Constitution requires that all government departments are funded through the national budget. In line with the Constitution therefore funds are provided through the national budget to sectors responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity such as the Forestry Department, Department of Fisheries, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Museums of Malawi, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the NHBG and the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University. Although the funding is not specific for biodiversity conservation, government funding has enabled Malawi maintain a network of protected areas (which are the main sectors connected with biodiversity conservation). In this regards, it may it be argued that the Malawi government is the primary source of funding for biodiversity conservation in Malawi. The government through the Local Government Funds also provide support to various

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conservation activities especially those related to reforestation of degraded hills and river banks through the Public Works Programme.

2.7.2 Donor funds Most biodiversity activities and programme are implemented with donor funding. This is important considering that government funding is often inadequate. Donor support is in three categories: government to government support through bilateral agreements (which channels funds through the Ministry of Finance); multilateral arrangements of which the GEF is the main source; and direct agreement between development partners and NGOs or the private sector. Donors that have contributed to biodiversity conservation through bilateral agreements include the Royal Kingdom of Norway, the Japanese Government and the European Union. Within the past five years, Malawi has received funding in excess of ten million Dollars for biodiversity activities and projects from bilateral donors. The Royal Kingdom of Norway provided the sum of 15 million NOK (about 2.4 million US$) for the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity on Nyika Plateau. The European Union is the major donor of the forestry sector. With funding from the EU, the Forestry Department is implementing a sustainable forestry programme (Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme) in twelve districts of Malawi. The programme aims at improving the livelihoods of local communities through the provision of forest goods and services and the development of forest based enterprises. The programme has developed interventions that aim at contributing towards increased household income and food security such as tree planting and forest conservation and promotion of forest based income generating activities such as honey, mushroom and timber production and processing. The government of Japan through the “Hitoyama Initiative” has granted the Department of Forestry MK3 Billion (approximate 180 million US$) for the Forestry Preservation Programme. The programme will aim at enhancing protection of forest reserves and the conservation of biodiversity through capacity building. The GEF continues to provide critical financial assistance to the biodiversity sector in Malawi. GEF funding is either channelled through the UNDP, UNEP or the World Bank. The GEF has funded biodiversity related activities and projects amounting to over US$12 million. Based on provisions of GEF’s Resource Allocation Framework, Malawi’s allocation under the previous cycle was approximately US$4,250,000 for biodiversity conservation. These funds were earmarked for three projects; Development of a National Clearing House Mechanism and Assessment of Capacity Building Needs; Sustainable Management of Nyika TFCA and Participatory Development and Management of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. The previous RAF expired in June 2010 and approximately US$3,835,700 has been utilised, leaving a balance of US$414,300. The initial STAR (System for Transparent Allocation of Resources) envelope for GEF-5 for Malawi is estimated to be about 7.58 million US$ of this about 4.2 is initially allocated to biodiversity. The current STAR for Malawi is yet to be programmed. Development partners have supported biodiversity activities with direct support to the private sector and NGOs. NGOs active in biodiversity conservation include Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), Centre for Environmental Advocacy and Policy Research (CEPA),

55 and Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT). WESM is currently implemented a GTZ funded project on sustainable use of wild fruits whose main output is the establishment of a community owned indigenous fruits juice making company. With funding from the Development Fund of Norway, CEPA undertook a survey of the role of women in the conservation of traditional crops in Malawi. Based on the results of the survey, CEPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security initiated a process to develop a national agrobiodiversity policy. Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust is currently managing an endowment funds which is dedicated for the conservation and sustainable use of resources of Mulanje Mountain Forest Research. The endowment fund was capitalised with funding from the GEF. Currently MMCT has received additional funding from the Royal Kingdom of Norway, the EU and USAID for various biodiversity activities within Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. A list of selected past, on going and pipeline projects with external support are listed in Table 12. Table 12. Summary of donor contribution to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Malawi Donor Project Title Estimated Cost Project status Royal Norwegian Nyika Biodiversity 13 million Nok Completed Government Cinservation support Programme Mulanje Mountain 25 million NOk On going Conservation Trust Nyika TFCA 25 million NOK Pipeline European Union Improved Forest 1.996 million Euro On going Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme GEF Nyika TFCA About 3 million USD Pipeline approved by GEF NBSAP and National US$349,000 completed Reports to the CBD (1 st to 4 th National Reports) SADC Biodiversity US$270,000 Completed Support Programme Lake Malawi 5 million US$ Completed Biodiversity Conservation Project Mulanje Mounatin 5.3 million US$ Completed Conservation Trust

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CHM enabling US$11,000 On going activity and establishments of CHM Nkhotakota Game Pipeline Approve by Reserve GEF USAID MOBI+LISE MMCT 3 million On going NATURE Programme 9 million US$ Completed Kulera Biodiversity 7 million On going Project (with Total LandCare) CAMPASS Project 12 million completed Japanese Forestry Preservation MK3 Billion Approved Government Programme (approximate 180 “Hitoyama Initiative” million US$)

Biodiversity activities are also being supported through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Although PPPs in natural resources management are not supported by a national policy, successful PPP arrangements are being implemented in the wildlife sector. African Parks (Majete) entered into a PPP arrangement with Department of National Parks and Wildlife regarding the management of Majete Wildlife Reserve in 2003. Through the partnership, Majete Wildlife Reserve has restocked species that were once locally extinct (Box 1). It is evident from the case study the current PPP arrangement with African Parks Majete has contributed to conservation of such endangered species such as Black Rhinos and elephants. There are prospects for PPPs to contribute to biodiversity conservation in Malawi. It is envisaged that the Nyika Transfrontier Project will be managed under a PPP arrangement between Nyika Foundation (a lead organisation to be entrusted with the management of the project) and DNPW and Zambia Wildlife Authority. Proposals are also under consideration by the Forestry Department to enter into a PPP arrangement with MMCT for the management of Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve.

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Box 1. Management of Majete Wildlife Reserve through Public Private Partnership arrangement Majete Wildlife Reserve (MWR) has an area of 70,000 ha. It is situated in southern Malawi, Chikhwawa district. Majete was gazetted a wildlife reserve in 1960s and has been under the management of the DNPW until 2003 when African Parks signed a Public Private Partnership to manage the reserve under a concession for a period of 25 years. Due to inadequate funding and inadequate law enforcement most large mammal species e.g. elephants, black rhinoceros, lions, buffalos, eland, zebra, sable antelope were subjected to heavy poaching and were completely eliminated by the early 1993. African Parks (Majete) Ltd (APM) became the first Private Company to be given a management concession of a Protected Area in Malawi. Under six years, significant achievements have been registered in the restocking programmes, infrastructural developments and socio-economic developments. About 3000 animals and 11 species have been translocated from Liwonde/Lengwe National Parks, and others purchased from South Africa or Zambia. Majete now has three of the “Big five”. There are 215 elephants, 7 black rhino and over 300 buffalos that have been re-introduced in Majete. Future plans include restocking Majete Wildlife Reserve with the predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs by 2012.

Species Elephant Buffalo Sable Waterbuck Warthog Nyala Impala Zebra Black rhino

Status in 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003

Status in 215 306 255 295 158 58 428 177 7 2010

2.7.3 Trusts funds There are three trusts funds related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Malawi Environmental Endowment Trust and the Environmental Fund. The Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust was established to ensure long term and sustainable management of the biodiversity of Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. The Trust was capitalised with funds from the GEF and has been successful in obtaining addition funding from USAID, Norway and the EU. MMCT therefore is a sustainable source of funding for conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity of Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. MMCT’s work on the mountain is in line with the work programme related to Mountain Biodiversity and Ecosystem Approach. The Malawi Environmental Endowment Trust was established as a long term mechanism to finance environmental activities on recognition that funding for environmental activities was inadequate when compared to the extent of environmental problems. MEET has supported over 160 small grants valued at 4.5 million US$ since its establishment in 1999. The endowment was capitalized by a grant under the USAID\GoM cooperate agreement regarding

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Natural Resources Management and Environmental Support Programme (NATURE). The cooperative agreement committed the GoM to allocate $4.41 million to capitalize the Endowment Fund. Between 2007 and 2008 the fund had dwindled to MK796 million (approximately US$5.1 million) from MK823 Million (about US$5.3 million) due to global economic crisis which affected global capital markets inclusive of Malawi Stock Exchange market. Malawi in 2003 established the Environment Fund as an innovative, sustainable funding mechanism for central, district and local level community action in ENRM. The fund is to be capitalised with levies from electricity, mineral sales, petroleum sales, water sales etc. The fund is yet to be capitalised and has therefore not supported any projects. The fund is managed through the Environmental Affairs Department.

2.8 Effectiveness of the NBSAP; adequacy of the NBSAP to address threats to biodiversity The NBSAP is a long term strategy to guide the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Malawi. The time frame for the implementation of NBSAP was estimated to be 2020 to coincide with the timeframe for the Malawi vision 2020, and to enable Malawi to contribute to the achievement of the 2010 targets of reducing biodiversity loss by 50% as agreed by the global community and achieve by 2015 the Millennium Development Goals. It must be recognised that NBSAP has been in operation for about 20% of its intended timeframe. It is therefore premature to provide an objective assessment of the adequacy of the NBSAP in addressing the threats to biodiversity. However, considering that a critical analysis of threats to biodiversity and gaps in Malawi’s knowledge on biodiversity was undertaken during development of the NBSAP, it may be stated that the NBSAP was designed to address all critical threats, except the new and emerging threats (e.g. climate change and pollution). Climate change and pollution were not perceived to be critical threats to biodiversity in Malawi and as a result no strategies and actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in relation to managing the impacts of climate change and pollution were included in the NBSAP. A revised NBSAP should include strategies and actions for these threats. It must be recognized however that although the NBSAP in its present format appear to be adequate to address most critical threats to biodiversity, the NBSAP is underutilised as a tool to guide planning and implementation of biodiversity programme in Malawi.

2.9 Progress towards implementation of COP 8 decisions 2.9.1 National participation of indigenous and local communities Decision VIII/5 paragraph 2 of COP 8 invites parties through their national reports to report on progress in achieving national participation of indigenous and local communities and associated capacity building. In doing so parties would be responding to the requirements of Article 8j of the Convention which requires parties to respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional life styles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such

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knowledge, innovation, and practices and to encourage sharing of the benefits arising from their utilisation.

Participation of local communities in Malawi is provided for in the Local Government Act of 2000 which has provisions for empowerment of local communities to actively participate in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use through local level development committees. In line with this policy and in line with the National Environmental Policy sectoral policies (i.e. the Forestry Policy, Fisheries Policy and National Parks Policy) now incorporates aspects of community participation. At the Assembly level natural resources management is facilitated through the District Executive Committee (DEC) through the District Environmental Sub- Committee (DESC). At the local level, community participation is facilitated through Area Development Committees.

Malawi has rich indigenous knowledge most of which is not recorded but is passed from generation to another through word of mouth. For example, Traditional Healers have practiced traditional healing from time immemorial but their practice has never been comprehensively documented. Most of the materials used by the Traditional Healers are becoming rare due to unsustainable use and this has forced some Traditional Healers to start conserving and sustainably using the medicinal plants through establishment of medicinal gardens. It must be pointed out however that Malawi has no specific programmes or policy framework or institution for management of the indigenous knowledge systems.

2.9.2 Protected areas Decision 24 paragraph 4 of COP8 encourages parties to provide necessary support for developing countries to enable them to build capacity for protected areas. Malawi is classified as a Least Developed Country (LDC) and as such is not obliged under the decision to provide support to other parties. However, as a LDC Malawi has received support from various donors to promote sustainable management and capacity building in the conservation of protected areas.

The history of protected areas in Malawi dates back to 1912 when the first forestry research was gazetted. Currently Malawi has 88 Forestry Reserves, five National Parks and four wildlife reserves. Forestry reserves were originally designated as catchment areas and as such important ecosystems such as wetlands were not targeted. National parks and wildlife reserves on the other hand were established as conservation areas for large mammals. Management of protected areas is primarly funded by GoM through the national budget. Although the funding is inadequate, the fact that GoM continues to fund the Forestry Department and DNPW operations (law enforcement, research, salaries etc) is a demonstration that GoM is committed to the protection of Protected Areas.

2.9.3 Impact Assessments Parties are urged through (Decision VIII/28, paragraph 5) to apply voluntary guidelines on biodiversity-inclusive Environmental Impact Assessment. This decision is a follow up to the implementation of Article 14 of the Convention regarding the importance of impact assessments.

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Environmental Impact Assessments are mandatory for all development programmes as provided for in Environmental Management Act section 24. In line with this provision, Malawi in 1997 developed comprehensive guidelines for EIAs. EIA guidelines advocates for the Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for policies, programmes and plans. However, guidelines for conducting SEA are not provided.

The EIA guidelines are widely implemented in Malawi. For example based on the proposal to establish a Sugar Factory in Lufuwu wetlands (in Salima District southern Malawi) an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted and provided specific recommendations for protection of breeding sites for migratory birds within the wetland. Based on the EIA, government approved only 6,000 ha for the sugar estate out of the 12,000 ha requested excluding the critical elements of the wetland. A comprehensive EIA was also conducted before mining of uranium at Kayelekela Uranium started. As a result a number of measures have been put in place to mitigate the effects of effluents on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. More information on the role of EIAs in biodiversity conservation is provided in section 3.7.

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Chapter three

Sectoral and crosscross----sectoralsectoral integration or mainstreaming of biodiversibiodiversityty considerations

3.1 Introduction Mainstreaming in this section refers to inclusion or integration of action related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into economic sectors whose core business is not biodiversity conservations such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, forestry and mining. It also entails inclusions of biodiversity considerations into national policies and programmes. By integrating biodiversity considerations Malawi is fulfilling requirements of Article 6b which requires all parties to integrate as far as possible and appropriate the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into relevant sectoral and cross sectoral plans, programme and policies. The need to mainstream biodiversity considerations into sectoral and cross sectroral policies and programmes is a complex challenge for Malawi especially considering that the responsibility of managing and conserving biodiversity is fragmented along the departments and statutory corporations under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment; Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Ministry of Irrigation and Water, and Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; The National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Malawi; Universities of Malawi and Mzuzu. Despite this challenge, Malawi has made good progress towards mainstreaming biodiversity at all levels. This chapter describes the achievements made. This is done by describing cross-sectoral coordination measures which are in form of enabling policies and legal frameworks, implementation structure and cross cutting national plans and programmes. This chapter also examines efforts Malawi has made to facilitate mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations into the private sector and land use planning sector through enforcement of EIAs.

3.2 Overview of biodiversity policy and institutional framework 3.2.1 Relevant biodiversity policies and legislation Malawi participated at the UNCED in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. In response to the Rio agreements, Malawi in 1994 developed a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). The NEAP provides a framework for integrating environmental considerations into national economic and social development programmes and plans. Malawi’s commitment to address its environmental problems was reflected in Section 13(d) of the Constitution which calls upon the State: “To manage the environment responsibly in order to-preserve the degradation of the environment; provide a healthy living and working environment for the people of Malawi; accord full recognition to the rights of future generations by means of environmental protection and the sustainable development of natural resources; and conserve and enhance the biological diversity of Malawi.” To implement the NEAP, Malawi in 1994-95 prepared the the Environmental Support Programme (ESP) whose overall objective was to integrate environmental concerns into the socio-economic development of Malawi. The ESP provided a planning framework for the

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government’s activities and interventions in environment but only a few of the identified intervations have been implemented. To facilitate implementation of Malawi’s environmental aspirations as enshrined in the Constitution, Malawi in 1996 adopted an overarching National Environmental Policy (the NEP). Legal instrument for the implementation of the principles of environmental and natural resource management as contained in the NEP are provided for in the Environmental Management Act. These documents are cross – cutting in nature and provide structure and legal frameworks for the development and/or revision of sectrol policies and legislation in environmental and natural resource management. The NEP was adopted in order to promote sustainable social and economic development through the sound management of the environment. The policy provides for the conservation of biodiversity in section 4.12 which seeks to conserve, manage and utilise sustainably the country’s biological diversity (ecosystems, genetic resources and species) for the preservation of the National Heritage. EMA on the other hand was enacted to remove the lack of an overarching statute providing general environmental protection. Sectoral policies and legislations were required to be revised to be consistent with this Act. Thus as required by EMA, Malawi undertook a review and reform of environmental and natural resources management policies and legislation in 2004. The reviews were designed to address deficiencies and the over reliance on central government control over the use of natural resources and lack of community participation on natural resource management. The reform was also in response to the requirements of CBD article 6b. The NBSAP observed however that both NEP and EMA do not address biodiversity issues comprehensively and as a result included Strategy 7.1 which recommended development of a National Biodiversity Policy. Some policies and Acts that were revised in line with NEP and EMA are provided in Table 13.

Table 13. Example of sectoral policies that were revised and/or developed in line with the requirements of EMA and NEP Policies, legislation and Objectives relevant to biodiversity Biodiversity mainstreaming strategies conservation

Agriculture policies To improve production and • Promotes conservation and promote wealth creation through (Agriculture and sustainable use of agriculture Livestock Policy 1994) agrobiodiversity through conservation of indigenous germ plasma on farm and in gene back.

Forestry Policy 1996 To integrate forestry management • The policy has provisions with environmental conservation related to co-management Establish appropriate incentive that and forest protection. will promote community based • Promotes sustainable forest conservation and sustainable use of management based on the forest resources as a means of ecosystem approach.

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poverty reduction. • Promote private sector involvement in forest management.

• Provides for protection of invasive alien species

Irrigation Policy 1998 To Improve use of water through • Promote EIAs in irrigation irrigation. development Conserve aquatic biodiversity

National Fisheries and To improve fisheries management • Promotes aquaculture as a Aquaculture Policy 2001 measure to reduce pressure on natural fisheries.

• Promote co management and protection of endangered species and sustainable use of fish resources

• Provides for eradication of invasive alien species.

Land Resources To introduce proper land use • Promote development of Management policy planning and reduce biodiversity technologies that are 2000 degradation ecologically sound for To avoid sectrol land use conflicts environmental fragile areas and enhance sustainable socio- such as steep slopes, stream economic use for the conservation banks, watershed areas, of biodiversity. swamps and also promote the management, conservation and utilization of natural resources in order to ensure sustainable land and ecosystem productivity.

National Wildlife Policy To promote co-management of • Provides for community 2000 wildlife participation and equitable Ensure the adequate protection of sharing of benefits representative ecosystems and their • Promotes protection of biological diversity ecosystems and their biodiversity through adoption of sustainable land management practices.

Energy Policy 2002 To regulate and promote use of • Promotes the use of renewable energy sources alternative energy sources as a means to reduce

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deforestation.

Water Resource To reduce degradation of water • Promote ecosystems Management Policy resources and reduce pollution approach in water resources 1994, revised 2006 management.

• Promotes EIAs in all major water developments including irrigation schemes and dams.

Biotechnology and Promote biotechnology research • Regulates the use of GMOs Biosafety policy 2008 and development which is morally • Promote sustainable and ethically responsive and management of the sensitive to environmental environment. protection and safety. • Discover and improve natural Promote awareness, understanding products and improve and knowledge of biotechnology at production of indigenous plants all levels of society in Malawi and animals.

• Promote conservation of local farmer’s seeds.

3.2.2 Sectoral biodiversity coordination Management of biodiversity in Malawi is not a responsibility of a single government department but is a responsibility of all departments with mandate for the management of various components if biodiversity. The Forestry Department, Department of Fisheries, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the National herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Malawi, Environmental Affairs Department are the major government agencies whose core mandates include biodiversity conservation and sustainable use (Table 13). Specific biodiversity functions for these departments are prescribed in relevant sections of the Constitutions and further elaborated in sector specific policies and legislations. The Environmental Affairs Department has the overall responsibility for coordinating government departments and agencies that have specific responsibilities for the management of biodiversity. The Forestry Department is charged with management of forestry biodiversity both within and outside protected areas whilst the Department of National Parks and Wildlife is responsible for the conservation of ecosystems including biodiversity within them. The Department of Fisheries has a huge responsibility of managing the endemic and diverse fish of Malawi. Relevant government departments and agencies with mandate for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use are summarised in Table 14.

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Table 14. Major government departments with environmental management responsibilities Government department Functions related to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and or sectors

Forestry Department • In situ and ex situ conservation of forest resources.

• Protection and management of Forest Reserves. • Management of forest plantations.

• co-management of forest reserves. • Collection and management of biological materials (especially invertebrates) and data.

• Ecological research and forestry inventories.

Environmental Affairs • Coordination of environmental programmes and also the national Department focal point for all environmental conventions.

• Following up of CBD issues at the national, regional and international levels.

• Coordination of EIAs. • Outreach.

Department of Fisheries • Conservation and sustainable use of fish biodiversity.

• Eradication and control of invasive species. • Outreach.

• Collection and management of biological collections and data. • Ecological research.

Ministry of Agriculture and • Sustainable land management practices including promotion of Food Security reforestation, conservation agriculture, agroforestry.

• In situ and ex situ conservation of agrobiodiversity.

Department of Energy • Contributes to reduced deforestation through promotion of alternative energy sources.

Department of National • In situ conservation of fauna and flora. Parks and Wildlife • Community participation and provision of incentives.

• Protection of protected areas through law enforcement.

Ministry of Education, • Integration of environmental conservation into the school Science and Technology curriculum

• Outreach.

Museums of Malawi • Management of biological collections and information

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(inventories and conservation status of biodiversity components).

• Research and outreach.

National Herbarium and • Ex situ and in situ conservation of endangered plants, Botanic Gardens of Malawi • Management of biological collections information and data.

Universities of Malawi and • Environmental education Mzuzu • Research

3.2.3 Cross sectoral biodiversity coordination In order to ensure proper cross sectoral coordination of environmental activities in Malawi a specific institutional mechanism was developed through the establishment of a Department of Research and Environmental Affairs (DREA) in 1991. DREA was mandated to co-ordinate issues pertaining to research and sustainable environmental management in Malawi through a multi- sectoral approach. DREA was later up-graded to the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs (MOREA) in 1994 but the ministry was abolished in 1997 and replaced by a new Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs with the Environmental Affairs Department having the responsibility of co-ordinating all issues pertaining to sustainable environmental management. The Environmental Affairs Department is now within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment but its mandate has remained the same since its establishment. The Environmental Affairs Department is also charged with harmonisation of national environmental policies and legislation and also coordinates environmental activities through a number of committees (intergovernmental structures relevant for coordination of biodiversity activities undertaken by various government departments) such as: a) The Cabinet Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources (CCANR). This is the highest level policy and decision making body responsible for environmental policy issues and informs Parliament on the state of the environment. b) The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources (PCANR) lobbies parliament on all matters to do with the environment. c) National Council for Environment (NCE) is a policy advisory institution which operates through working groups and national steering committees, advises both the CCANR and PCANR on environmental issues. d) The Technical Committee on Environment (TCE) is responsible for examining scientific issues and makes recommendations for action. e) The National Biodiversity Steering Committee follows up and monitors implementation of biodiversity issues. f) National Biosafety Regulatory Committee. The current implementation structure will change if the Environmental Management Bill is approved by Parliament. It is envisaged that a National Environmental Protection Authority will have the mandate to coordinate and monitor all activities concerning protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural

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resources, including regulation of access to genetic resources, policy formulation, law enforcement and environmental mainstreaming. The relationship between the current and proposed implementation structures is provided in the Figure 4. The Authority will be guided by of Board Directors and the following technical committees: a) Technical Committee on Environmental Impact Assessments. b) Technical Committee on Standard Reviews and Enforcement. c) Technical Committee on Community Based Natural Resources Management. d) Technical Committee on Biodiversity Conservation. e) Technical Committee on Pollution Control. f) Technical Committee on Soil and Water Conservation. g) Technical Committee on Hazardous Wastes, Chemical and other Toxic substances. h) Technical Committee on Environmental Information and Public Awareness. Implementation of biodiversity activities at the district level is guided by the Local Government Act of 1998. The Act unifies government and local authorities and facilitates community participation in the formulation, planning and implementation of development and environmental programmes through District Councils. District levels committees facilitate integration of biodiversity into Assembly plans and programmes. In this regard, District Environmental Subcommittee (DESC) coordinates and ensures that environmental concerns are mainstreamed into all district programmes. In line with the Decentralisation Policy the EAD has established environmental offices at each district. District Environmental Officers are members of DESC and hence facilitate mainstreaming of biodiversity issues into assembly plans. The revised EMA proposes the establishment of District Environmental and Natural Resources Management Committee at the district level to promote a coordinated approach in the integration of environmental considerations at the district level.

Figure 4: Current (left) and proposed (right) institutional framework for environmental protection in Malawi

Cabinet Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources

National Council on Environment (NCE)

National Biodiversity Committee

Environmental Protection Authority Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Environmental Affairs Department Board of Directors

68 Sectoral Departments and parastatals Technical Committees Malawi is required by EMA to prepare NEAPs and State of Environment Reports (SOERs) every four years. Malawi published it first SOER in 1996 with support from Danish Development Agency (DANIDA). The second edition was prepared in 2002 and the third edition is under preparation. Similarly the first NEAP was published in 1994 and the second edition was published in 2002. Although these documents are not regularly updated as provided for in EMA, they provide national perspective on the management of natural resources. District Assemblies are also required by the EMA to prepare District Environmental Action Plans and District State of Environment Reports which should be reviewed regularly. Despite this provision, DESPs and DSOERs were prepared for a limited number of districts and preference was given to lake shore districts to limit the impact of lake shore holiday resorts on the aquatic ecosystems. Government departments that have a focus on natural resource management are also required by the law to prepare environmental management plans which should be consistent with the NEAP. The purpose of the environmental management plans is to facilitate interdepartmental mainstreaming of biodiversity issues. This also applies to environmental NGOs. For example, in line with EMA, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) developed an environmental and communication strategy to guide implementation of environmental education. In addition, environmental NGOs are also members of major environmental committees at the central and assembly levels as required by NEP and the Decentralisation Policy. By participation in these committees, NGOs play a crucial role in influencing mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation into national programmes and policies. Coordination of NGO environmental activities is the responsibility of Coordinating Union for Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) but WESM is the leading NGO when it comes to the implementation of NRM activities.

3.3 Cross cutting national programmes and strategies Malawi as part of the global community has committed itself to a number of international protocols and conventions and is obliged through these forums to integrate international protocols and conventions into national programmes and policies. For example, Malawi is required by Article 6b of the Convention on Biological Diversity to integrate as far as possible the three objectives of the Convention into national programmes and policies. In response to its international obligation, Malawi has included biodiversity considerations into cross cutting national plans, strategies, programmes and policies such as the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD), Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS), the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 3.3.1 National Strategy for Sustainable Development for Malawi Malawi published its NSSD in 2004. The purpose of the strategy is to set out an agenda for providing the basis for Malawi’s sustainable development in the thematic areas of water, energy, health, agriculture and biodiversity to ensure sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction. The goal for the strategy is to manage the environment responsibly, prevent degradation, provide a healthy life for all, protect the rights of future generations and conserve and

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enhance biological diversity. Within the context of sustainable development, the NSSD proposed strategies and actions that would contribute to sustainable environmental management and attainment of CBD goals. For example, the NSSD strongly recommends inclusion of EIAs in the planning and construction of roads, airports and railways so as to minimise adverse environmental effects of road construction and ensure that the infrastructures are environmentally friendly. Theme three of the NSSD is devoted to the protection and management of natural resources base and therefore includes strategies for sustainable management of biodiversity (which is broken down into forestry, fisheries, and wildlife resources). The NSSD therefore provides for strategies to enable inclusion of CBD objectives into national and regional policies and programmes. The NSSD also has strategies to reverse biodiversity loss through monitoring trends in biodiversity, establishment of protected areas of biodiversity significance and restoration of biodiversity in degraded areas. Recognizing the adverse effects of invasive alien species on biodiversity, the NSSD included strategic actions to facilitate control and prevention of invasive alien species. The NSSD also recognizes that meaningful biodiversity conservation is not possible without sustainable funding. Thus strategies to promote innovation and sustainable funding mechanisms for biodiversity conservation and wise use were proposed. It is evident from the forgoing that the NSSD has demonstrated Malawi’s efforts to integrated biodiversity related issues into national plans and programmes. An assessment of the extent to which the NSSD has been achieved has never been conducted. However, if implemented in line with provisions of the NSSD, these strategies and actions will contribute to the realization of the CBD goals and objectives.

3.3.2 Malawi Growth and Development Strategy Malawi in 2006 published the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) as a medium term strategy for worth creation and economic growth. The strategy sets out a national vision, areas of strategic interventions or priority areas and the approach for achieving the vision. The MGDS provides basis for resource mobilisation and also include indicators for measuring success and identifies the following nine key priority areas that should be implemented in order to achieve economic growth and wealth creation. a) Agriculture and food security, b) Greenbelt irrigation and water development, c) Education, science and technology, d) Transport infrastructure and Nsanje world inland port, e) Climate change, natural resources and environmental management, f) Integrated rural development, g) Public health, sanitation, HIV and AIDS management, h) Youth development and empowerment, i) Energy, mining and industrial development. In addition to these key priority areas the MGDS also described other focus areas which are grouped into five themes; sustainable economic growth, social protection, social development, infrastructure development, and improving governance. Of relevance to

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biodiversity conservation and sustainable use is sub theme related to the conservation of natural resources base. This recognises that sustainable use of natural resources contribute to the achievement of many of the goals of the MGDS. If implemented in line with the MGDS it is expected that proposed interventions in the forestry sector will lead to reduced environmental degradation whilst interventions in the fisheries sector will assist Malawi maintain fish biodiversity. It is expected further that interventions in the environmental sector will lead to environmental protection and sustainable use and conservation of the natural resources endowment and interventions related to the wildlife sector will facilitate the sector achieve its long term goal of conserving and managing protected areas and wildlife. Progress in achieving MGDS goals and objectives is reviewed annually based on a set of indications. Recent reviews have indicated that progress towards achievement of natural resources management is slow. The review has recorded increased deforestation and increased sediment loads in aquatic ecosystems. This means that the MGDS will not achieve its goal of reducing environmental degradation by 2011. However, through partnership with South African Parks, Malawi has reintroduced rhinos and its population has increased to 15 since the programme started. Threatened animals such as elephants have been relocated from areas with high animal human conflicts (such as Phililongwe Forest Reserve) to more secure and well protected wildlife reserves (Majete Wildlife Reserve). This is a clear demonstration that the MGDS has achieved one of its goal of increasing populations and conservations of wild animals. Although the MGDS includes issues related to biodiversity conservation, integration of biodiversity matters into agriculture and food security, transport infrastructure and development, social development etc was not emphasised. Thus interventions in these areas may be implemented without taking into consideration the impact the interventions may have on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Consideration should be given for inclusion of biodiversity matters into all priority areas in the next phase of MGDS.

3.3.3 Malawi National Adaptation Programmes of Action In 2008 Malawi launched the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). The purpose of NAPA was to develop strategies that would enable Malawi address urgent and immediate climate adaptation needs caused by climate change and extreme weather events. The NAPA identified five key adaptation priorities needs as follows: a) Improving community resilience to climate change through development of sustainable rural livelihoods. b) Restoring forests in upper, middle and lower Shire valley catchments to reduce siltation and the associated water flow problems. c) Improving agricultural production under erratic rains and changing climatic conditions, d) Improving Malawi’s preparedness to cope with draughts and floods e) Improving climate monitoring to enhance Malawi’s early warning capacity and decision making and sustainable utilisation of Lake Malawi and lake shore area resources. The NAPA focus areas are environmental related and focus on using natural resources sustainably in order to build the resilience of the communities to adapt to effects of climate

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change. This is a clear indication that the NAPA incorporates biodiversity related matters as prominent factors that need to be included in the national adaption programme. Although the NAPA was not developed with a clear focus on mainstreaming biodiversity it is clear that these measures will support biodiversity and contribute to the achievement of the CBD goals.

3.3.4 Agricultural Sector Wide Approach (ASWAp) Malawi is in the process of developing an Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Programme. The goal of ASWAp is to achieve food security. This will be achieved through the following four priority areas: a) Improved food security and nutrition, b) Commercial agriculture and agro-processing and market development, c) Sustainable agriculture land and water management and. d) Agricultural research and extension services. ASWAp recognises that agriculture expansion over the past 30 years has lead to the replacement of natural flora with introduced ones and decimation of ecologically important wildlife and micro organisms. In order to reduce the loss of biodiversity associated with agriculture, the ASWAp proposes to intensify conservation agriculture, protection of catchment areas and other fragile areas such as wetland and river banks. A key programme within the ASWAp is the intensification of irrigation through the Greenbelt Initiative (GBI). The purpose of GBI is to increase production though irrigations. The programme proposes to increase the area under irrigation to one million hectares. Recognising the impact GBI may have on the environment, a number of measures to mitigate the impact of GBI on the environment have been proposed. All interventions to do with irrigation will be supported by EIAs. In addition, GBI will contribute to afforestation of degraded areas and also manage the impact of chemical fertilizers on the environment by promoting agroforestry, use of manures and conservation agriculture. Although the focus of ASWAp is on improved food production, the programme does not fully recognise the value of agrobiodiversity since strategies related to the conservations of agrobiodiversity have not been included. The ASWAp should therefore take into consideration the benefits that agrobiodiversity may bring to the agricultural sector. An aspect of the conservation of indigenous crops and their wild relatives including conservations of pollinators and other soil micro organisms of importance to agriculture should be considered.

3.3.5 The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) As a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals, Malawi is obliged to contribute to the global attainment of the eight goals. Malawi is implementing the MDGs through medium term strategies such as the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy. The MDGs priority areas are fully aligned with MGDS. The MGDS is therefore recognised as an important framework for implementing the MDGs. Of relevance to biodiversity conservation is goal number 7 of the MDGs (ensuring environmental sustainability). Indicators for the environmental sustainability

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were described as proportion of land area covered by forests, percentage of area protected to maintain biodiversity, energy usage and carbon dioxide emission. Based on the Malawi MDGs review for 2008, it would appear Malawi is making significant progress in maintaining the area under forest cover. The proportion of Malawi under protected area network is about 15% which is already more than the MDGs target of 10% by 2020. However, proportion of land area covered by forest declined from 41.4 percent in 1990 to 36.2 percent in 2005. If this trend continues, Malawi is unlikely to remain with land area covered by forest by 2020. Government and private sector forestry programmes which focus on reforestation, afforestation, promotion of natural regeneration, forest protection should be intensified to contain this problem.

3.4 Linkages with other UN Conventions Malawi is signatory to a number of biodiversity related conventions such as the CITES, Convention of Migratory Species, Ramsar, the World Heritage Convention, Convention of Climate Change, and the Convention on Desertification. Activities of these conventions overlap considerably and as such establishment of linkages between these instruments is crucial. This section describes the linkages between these conventions at policy and programme levels. 3.4.1 Climate change Malawi signed the climate change convention in 1992. In line with the requirements of the Convention, Malawi demonstrated its commitment to the Convention by including in the National Environmental Policy and the Environmental Management Act issues of climate change. Climate change has also been mainstreamed into biodiversity related policies (e.g. Forestry Policy, Fisheries Policy, National Parks and Wildlife Policy). The Forestry policy recognises the role of forest in carbon capture and storage and therefore emphasises on reforestation programmes. By promoting conservation agriculture, agroforestry and small scale irrigation technologies the agriculture sector contributes to the implementation of some requirements of climate change especially those related to limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Population of Nyala (restricted to Lengwe National Park) has been reported to be declining mostly due to climate change (erratic rainfall patterns) and poaching. As conservation measure DNPW has increased the distributional range of Nyala antelopes by reintroducing them in Majete Wildlife Reserve and Kuti Ranch in Salima. Malawi is in the process of developing a climate change response programme which will guide implementation of climate change activities in Malawi including those outlined in the NAPA. Meanwhile, the NAPA which was launched in 2008 provides guidelines for the implementation of climate change activities. The NAPA therefore identified potential adaptation option to climate changes in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, wildlife, water etc. For example, option for adapting to Climate Change in agriculture include changes in land use and limiting greenhouse gas emissions through adoption of conservation agriculture technologies, whilst options for adaptation to climate change in fisheries included building a capacity for fish gene banks to maintain genetic diversity of the fish population.

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In addition to mainstreaming climate change issues into biodiversity related policies, Malawi is also implementing climate change interventions. In 2007 Malawi launched a Tree Planting and Management for Carbon Sequestration and other Ecosystem Services Programme. Approximately 148 farmers with at least 2 hectares of land are participating in the prrogramme and are paid for each hactere per year over a period of five years. Although the programme has some design problems (in that no baseline data was collected at the start of the project and as such without base line data any carbon gains cannot be verified) the programme has contributed to an increase in area under forest cover. The Forestry Department with funding from MEET and CAMPASS II Project undertook a pilot study on forest conservation in protected Areas (in Nyika National Park and Mkuwazi Forest Reserve). The aim was to reverse the trends of degradation, preserve biodiversity, conserve ecosystems and provide opportunities for livelihoods development through community management using various interventions. The project provided a methodology for determining the carbon benefits from the conservation of forests in protected areas and also includes methods for quantifying carbon stocks and determining the likely rates and areas at risk of deforestation in the absence of project activities. Estimated carbon stocks were 211,889±23,694 tC in the 1,767 ha of Mkuwazi Forest Reserve and 995,446±120,385 tC in the 35,910 ha of Thazima region of Nyika National Park. Based on these estimated it was projected that Mkuwazi and Thazima would make about US$39,400 and US$141,888 per year over a period of 50 years respectively. The interventions, activities and systems of carbon crediting and making payments for carbon benefits through Reduced Emissions from forest Degradation and Deforestation can be replicated for most protected areas in Malawi. Thus through this project, the Forestry Department demonstrated a strong linkage between forest conservation and climate change. The private sector has potential to implement interventions that promote climate change and biodiversity. For example Total LandCare (TLC), is currently implementing an integrated land management programme within Lake Malawi basin (covering the areas between Chia lagoon and Nkhatabay). Programme activities such as Conservation Agriculture, agroforestry and community forestry promote carbon capture and storage. Thus as the project builds the resilience of communities to adapt to climate change, the biodiversity related interventions demonstrate the strong linkage between biodiversity and climate change.

3.4.2 Migratory species Malawi became party to the Convention on Migratory Species in 1975 and also signed the Ramsar Convention in 1996. In line with the Ramsar Convention a strategy which focuses on wetland management and conservation was launched. In keeping with the Convention obligations, Lake Chilwa wetland was declared a Ramsar site. Lake Chilwa has been identified as an important bird area. With support from Danish Hunter Association (DHA) communities are being involved in the identification and protection of breeding sites for migrating birds. The breeding sites will be designated bird sanctuaries and there are also plans to turn part of the wetland into a community conservation area. Thus as Malawi promotes sustainable management of wetlands, Malawi’s obligations on Convention on Migrating species are being met.

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Another programme related to the protection of migrating species is the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) project. In 2004 Malawi and Zambia signed a Mmemorandum of Understanding to manage Nyika and Kasungu National Parks as Transfrontier Conservation Areas. Through this arrangement endangered species such as lions, elephants and wild dogs are protected as they migrate between the two countries. These initiatives therefore demonstrate a strong linkage between the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, biodiversity and migratory species. 3.4.4 Desertification Malawi became party to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1996. To facilitate implementation of the Convention a National Action Pland (NAPs) was developed and adopted in 2000. NAPs addresses five core areas related to desertification; food security, water management and development, renewable energy, forest resource management and environmental management. These areas are also prioritised in the NAPA and the NBSAP. Thus demonstrating strong linkages between desertification, climate change and biological diversity conventions.

3.5 Incentive measures Malawi has an obligation as required by Article 11 of the Convention to adopt in as far as possible and appropriate, economically and socially sound measures that act as incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of components of biological diversity. Malawi has made some progress towards adopting measures to promote incentives in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Incentive measures for natural resources management is strongly supported by the NEP 2004 part 3.2 (Economic Incentives for Sustainable Environmental Management). In keeping with this provision sectoral policies especially the National Forestry Policy, Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and the National Parks and Wildlife policy promote incentives through Community Based Natural Resources Management programme. For example, through collaborative management of forest reserves, attempts have been made to give back to communities some stake in forest conservation and use through co-management activities. These have been sources of income to the communities through sharing of revenues earned from confiscation of illegal forest produce and income generating activities (IGAs) in form of non forest based activities such as bee keeping, mushroom farming and ecotourism. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife started a system of incentive measures as a means to promote collaborative management in National Parks when the Government in 1996 approved resource use and revenue sharing with communities who legitimately use the land on which wildlife occurs. Currently, DNPW is implementing the following programmes: Resource Use Programme (RUP), which allows harvesting selected wildlife resources by adjacent communities; wildlife related enterprises; and revenue sharing with adjacent communities. Socio economic benefits of the programme are provided in section 2.4.10. Natural Resources Management Policies (e.g. the Wildlife Policy) have some provisions that promote provision of incentives for communities to participate in biodiversity conservation. Apart from these policies, the concept of incentive measures has not been integrated into other institutions and policies whose core business is not biodiversity conservation. For

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example lack of legislation on intellectual property rights mean that genetic resources and indigenous knowledge are exchanged freely and as such the potential resulting commercial and technological benefits do not trickle down to the local communities. Another problem is that Malawi’s biodiversity is inadequately valued due to poor pricing of biological resources. In recognisition of these inadequacies Malawi has initiated a process to review and document incentive measures in Malawi and the results will be used to develop guidelines and procedures for incentive measures for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

3.6 The Ecosystem Approach Principles of Ecosystem Approach (sometimes also referred to as the Malawi Principles for Ecosystems Approach) were endorsed by the CoP in 2000 based on recommendations from the workshop on Ecosystem Approach held in Malawi in January 1998. The CBD defines Ecosystem Approach as a strategy for integrating management of land, water and other living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in equitable way. Thus the Convention regards the Ecosystem Approach as the primary framework for action under the Convention since its implementation shall assist parties to reach a balance of the three objectives of the Convention. The Ecosystem Approach recognises humans as an integral component of ecosystems and therefore promotes interdisciplinary and holistic environmental approach in natural resources management and active involvements of stakeholders in defining sustainable alternatives.

Malawi has made significant progress in integrating some principles of Ecosystem Approach into national policies and programmes. For example, principles of the Ecosystem Approach especially those associated with involvement of all relevant sectors in the society, decentralisation of natural resources management to the lowest point possible, recognition of ecosystems in an economic context etc, are integrated into the National Environmental Policy (2004) and sectoral policies dealing with biodiversity conservation (Forestry Policy, National Parks and Wildlife Policy, Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy). The NBSAP strategies and its actions recognise the importance of interdisciplinary and holistic approach in maintaining natural diversity and productivity of landscapes whilst sustaining human needs. In this connection the NBSAP emphasized the use of the Ecosystem Approach in the management of protected areas and therefore responded by providing a specific Guiding Principle “e”; which recognises that conservation of biodiversity both within and outside protected areas including mountains is best done following the Ecosystem Approach. Furthermore, recognising that the Ecosystem Approach is integral to the protected areas management, the NBSAP also provided strategy 3.2.1; that will facilitate development of appropriate guidelines, methodologies, procedures and technologies that fully utilises the concepts of Ecosystem Approach in protected areas. Despite the lack of a national Ecosystem Approach framework, some environmental programmes are designed and implemented taking into consideration provisions of ecosystems and their functioning. Both the government and the private sector have initiated programme that embrace the principles of Ecosystem Approach. The most well known

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projects with strong Ecosystem Approach focus include the Mulanje Mountain Reserve Biodiversity Conservation Project and Management for Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Programme. The MACC project is a 5 year program to improve the capacity of rural communities to adapt to the growing threat of climate change. Over 50,000 households are targeted, of which a minimum of 35-40% are women, across 5 districts in the central watersheds of Lake Malawi. Climate change interventions being implemented include:

• Reforestation efforts that combine tree planting and natural regeneration with the promotion of fuel efficient stoves to reduce wood use and related impacts of deforestation. • Sustainable Land and Water Management with key focus on Conservation Agriculture and agroforestry. • Farm diversification to reduce the impacts of climate change by promoting a) high yielding, drought and disease resistant crops, and b) small livestock adapted to the local environment. • Low-cost irrigation systems using treadle pumps, drip kits, and water harvesting. • Rural-based Enterprises focusing on bee keeping, fish farming, eco tourism and mushroom farming. • Carbon Markets: A feasibility assessment has identified Conservation Agriculture and village wooldlots as having potential for carbon revenues based on REDD Plus (Reduced Emission from Forest Deforestation and Forest Degradation) requirements. The project is being implemented by Total LandCare (TLC) a non-profit, non government organization registered in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania with funding from the Norwegian Government.

3.7 Integrating biodiversity considerations into Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment The Environmental Management Act is the primary mechanism or instrument at the national level for ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated in national plans and decision making across all sectors. To guide integration of environmental considerations in national development EMA requires that all projects shall not be implemented unless an environmental impact assessment is carried out. It also a requirement that environmental audits shall be carried out for purposes of enforcing provisions of the EMA and that all developers shall take reasonable measures for mitigating any undesirable effects on environment arising from the implementation of a project which could not be foreseen in the process of conducting EIAs. In line with EMA, Malawi in 1997 published guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessments. EIA guidelines give a list of projects for which EIA is mandatory. These include; a) agriculture/aquaculture projects e.g. irrigation schemes, fish ponds, introduction of exotic fish; b) water resources development, e.g. ground water utilisation projects, dams; c) infrastructure projects e.g. roads, hospitals, sewerage works; d) energy generation; e) mining and quarrying projects; f) Forestry projects e.g. logging operations, conversion of forests to another land use; g) tourism development projects e.g. construction of lodges. In general biodiversity considerations are integrated in EIAs by making

77 sure that the following issues are taken into consideration in making environmental impact assessments: a) That the project should not cause damage to biodiversity (wildlife, plants and habitats) b) That the project promotes sustainable use of natural resources, c) That the project promotes ecosystem maintenance – i.e. the project will not affect any environmentally sensitive areas e.g. wetlands, areas containing rare and endangered species. It is evident from Table 15 that Malawi has made good progress in using the EIA guidelines as a tool to integrate biodiversity considerations into land use planning and decision making. For example, based on EIA result, the National Environmental Council rejected an application for Central African cattle Ranch to open a cattle ranch in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve on the basis that the activity would disturb the ecological balance of the forest reserve. The proposal to develop 5 Ha of land within Lilongwe City into a recreation centre and modern park was also rejected is the main catchment for a dam.

Table 15. Effectiveness of EIAs in mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into planning and decision making Project name Brief project description Recommendations Area 10 Housing and Development of a recreation The project was rejected Recreation Project centre and modern park because the proposed site is within a catchment area of a the main catchment area for dam in the City of Lilongwe Area 10 dam. Central African Cattle Ranch Establishment of a 12000 Ha The cattle ranch was rejected ranch within Dzalanyaama in order to maintain Forest Reserve. The reserve ecological balance in the was gazetted in 1946. forest reserve. Lusangazi Solid Waste Construction of solid waste The landfill in Lusangazi Forest Disposal Site disposal site in an area of 12 Reserve was rejected to Ha in Lusangazi Forest provent environmental Reserve. degradation in the forest. Lufuwu Sugar Estate 12000 Ha was earmarked for The estate was granted 6,000 sugar estate within an ha out of the 12,000 ha ecologically important excluding the critical elements wetland. of the wetland. New Tourist Lodge within Proposal by African Parks The Resort Project in Majete Majete Wildlife Reserve Majete to construct a lodge was approved on condition on one Ha of land within the that there should be selective wildlife reserve. cutting down of trees and that heavy machinery is not used to prevent disturbance of

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animals. New Nkhatabay District Kalwe FR is about 207 and The project was approved on Hospital the hospital will cover 50 Ha condition that rare species will be relocated and that construction should not be on ecologically sensitive site. Kayelekela Uranium Mine Keyeleke Uranium mine is in The project was approved on Northen region of Malawi condition that all degraded and covers and area of 157 areas will be revegetated, km 2. seed bank of all rare and endemic plants will be established and that the whole area will be revegetated on closure of the mine. Land use practices for urban development, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and mining have contributed to the current environmental degradation. To ensure a balance between development and sustainable environmental management, integration of environmental considerations into land use plans and decisions making is crucial. To achieve the balance, efforts have been made to integrate environmental considerations into tools guiding land use planning and decision making. Land use planning is the responsibility of the Department of Physical Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Land use planning is governed by a number of legislations such as Town and Country Planning Act, the Land Act, Mines and Minerals Act, Public Roads Act, Industrial Development Act etc. The National Planning and Development Plan (NPDP) of 1987, was the first major steps towards guiding land use planning but environmental considerations were not adequately taken into consideration. This gap is now covered by the National Land Resources Management Policy (2000) which promotes integration of environmental concerns into land use planning and decision making by promoting the development of technologies that are economically viable, ecologically sound and socio culturally acceptable especially in environmentally fragile areas such as step slopes, stream banks, watershed areas, swamps and dambos; and by promoting the management, conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. At the local level, local authorities are urged to use the Local Government Act as a planning tool. The Local Government Act promotes incorporation of community concerns into developmental programmes, hence the most important entry point to ensuring proper integration of biodiversity considerations into programme and plans is at the district level. As pointed out earlier, the NEP provides for preparation and publication of NEAPs and SOERs at the national and district levels. These have been most important tools to guide planners and decision makers integrate environmental considerations into land use planning and decision making at the local level.

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Chapter Four

Conclusions: Progress towards the 2010 Targets and Implementation of the Strategic Plan

4.1 Progress towards the 2010 Biodiversity Target Parties under Decision VI/26 adopted a Strategic Plan of Action for the Convention on Biological Diversity in which parties committed themselves to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth. In decision VII/30, Parties adopted a framework to facilitate the assessment of progress towards achieving the 2010 Biodiversity Target and integration into thematic programmes of works. In order to facilitate monitoring of achievements of the 2010 goals and sub targets, the CoP identified targets and Parties and governments were urged and invited to develop national and regional targets and indicators and incorporate them into national plans and programmes including NBSAP. As pointed out in section 2.3, the NBSAP prioritised 22 action based on their contribution to achieving national and global biodiversity goals and targets including the 2010 targets. Each priority action was associated with target. Of the 22 targets about eleven were modified from the 2010 targets. The extent to which the 22 priority actions and targets have been achieved has been highlighted in section 2.3. However, recognising that COP considers NBSAPs as important tools in achieving the 20110 Biodiversity targets, progress made towards the implementation of the NBSAP will be used to demonstrate the progress Malawi has made towards achieving the 2010 targets.

Table 16. Progress towards 2010 Biodiversity Targets

Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress Protect the components of biodiversity Goal 1. Promote the conservation of the biological diversity of ecosystems, habitats and biomes

Target 1.1: At least 10% of • Coverage of protected • Malawi has a total area of 11.85 each of the world’s ecological areas million hectares of which 1,869,974 regions effectively conserved. ha was estimated in 1993 to be under • Trends in extent of Protected Areas Network. Recent selected biomes, information from Forestry ecosystems and habitats Department shows that the number • Trends in abundance and of Forest Reserves has increased to distribution of selected 88 from about 70 in 1990. Although species the number of PAs has increased the areas under PA cover appear to have

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress reduced to 1,109,331 Ha. This means that about 9.3% of Malawi’s total area is under Protected Areas.

• Progress has been made in rehabilitating degraded ecosystems. Ndirende and Thyolo Forest Reserves have been restored through forestry rehabilitation programme.

• Although there are still challenges in increasing the abundance of threatened species progress has been made towards improving distribution and abundance of selected species. For example the Nyala antelope which used to be restricted to Lengwe National Park has now been reintroduced in Majete Wildlife Reserve and Kuti Ranch in Salima. Large mammals such as zebras, elephants have also been reintroduced in Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Target 1.2: Areas of particular • Trends in extent of • Malawi’s Protected Area Network importance to biodiversity selected biomes, includes areas of high biological protected ecosystems and habitats diversity e.g. Nyika Plateau, Mulanje Forest Reserve, Lake Malawi. PAs are • Trends in abundance and the only place where a wide range of distribution of selected biodiversity are represented and species protected. • Coverage of protected • Ecosystems and biodiversity continue areas to be threatened by human activities and they are on the decline. Area under protected areas is reported to be declining at 1.0 to 2.8 % annually. The current list of protected areas include forest reserves that have either been completely destroyed due to deforestation or development (e.g. Kalwe Forest Reserve, Thyolo), or heavily degraded due to charcoal

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress production and cultivation e.g. Zomba-Malosa Forest Reserves. This means the area under Protected Areas may be less than the official figure. Despite this, all vegetation types are represented in the Protected Areas Network.

• The Fisheries Department has identified Lake Malombe, the eastern arm of lake Malawi and interconnection between lake Malawi and Malombe as areas of particular importance for Tilapia species. The department has designated these fish sanctuaries. Goal 2. Promote the conservation of species diversity

Target 2.1: Restore, maintain, • Trends in abundance and • Chambo ( Tilapia ) Restoration or reduce the decline of distribution of selected Strategic Plan has facilitated populations of species of species development of fish sanctuaries in selected taxonomic groups. lakes Malawi and Malombe. Despite • Change in status of this chambo is less abundant in Lake threatened species Malombe and southern part of Lake Malawi but more abundant in Mozambican waters.

• Conservation efforts in Wildlife sector have improved the conservation status of species that were threatened by unsustainable use. For example: o Elephant population has increased from 340 in 2002 to 460 in 2007 in Vwaza Wildlife Reserve, from zero to 300 in 2009 in Majete Wildlife Reserve. o Rhino population has increased from zero to 15 in 2009. o Nyala antelope has increased from 0 to 58 in 2009 in Majete Widlife Reserve.

• Area under Mulanje Cedar reduced to

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress 850 Ha due to illegal harvest, bush fires and invasive species. MMCT has replanted cedar on 100 Ha, thus increasing the area to about 950 Ha.

Target 2.2: Status of • Change in status of • An assessment of conservation threatened species improved. threatened species status of biodiversity components is an on going activity in national • Trends in abundance and parks. The results have been used distribution of selected to relocate animals from one park species to another. • Coverage of protected • Chambo catches declined in the areas past decade. Conservation strategies that combine aquaculture and restoration programmes has improved catches from 3,280 tonnes in 2007 to 3,586 tonnes in 2008. Goal 3. Promote the conservation of genetic diversity

Target 3.1: Genetic diversity of • Trends in genetic diversity • About 300 accessions of indigenous crops, livestock, and of of domesticated animals, crops, collected, stored and harvested species of trees, fish cultivated plants, and fish characterized by NPGRC. and wildlife and other valuable species of major socio- • Medicinal plants conserved ex situ species conserved, and economic importance in medicinal gardens managed by associated indigenous and • Biodiversity used in food Traditional Healers Associations. local knowledge maintained. and medicine (indicator • FRIM in collaboration with the under development) Millennium Seed Bank has collected • Trends in abundance and about 950 accessions of seeds of distribution of selected indigenous, rare, threatened and species economically important species for long term storage at Millennium Seed Bank, London with duplicates at NPGRC.

• Limited number of local breeds of cattle (Malawi zebu), chickens, goats, pigs and ducks are maintained at Bunda College of Agriculture. Promote sustainable use Goal 4. Promote sustainable use and consumption.

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress

Target 4.1: Biodiversity-based • Area of forest, agricultural • In the absence of monitoring products derived from sources and aquaculture programme this is difficult to assess. that are sustainably managed, ecosystems under But the PPP arrangement in Majete and production areas managed sustainable management Wildlife Reserve is facilitating consistent with the sustainable management of the • Proportion of products conservation of biodiversity. reserve leading to sustainable use derived from sustainable of resources from the reserve. sources (indicator under development) • Nyika-Vwaza Association through an agreement with DNPW is allowed to • Trends in abundance and harvest resources from the park on distribution of selected sustainable basis. The Resource Use species Programme is an incentive for • Marine trophic index communities to participate in the • Nitrogen deposition management and sustainable use of resources (e.g. honey) in the park. • Water quality in aquatic • ecosystems Lake Malawi has high levels of nutrients from agricultural activities. These have changed water quality and have affected fish abundance such that some fish are more abundant in the Mozambique side of the lake.

Target 4.2. Unsustainable • Ecological footprint and • Between 1980 and 200 Malawi consumption, of biological related concepts experienced an annual decline of resources, or that impacts about 9,000 tonnes of Chambo fish upon biodiversity, reduced. production due to over fishing. Recent figures show an increase in fish catches from 10,000 tonnes in 1991 to above 13,000 tonnes in 2007.

• Population trends in Nyika National Park show a general decline. The decline of Roan Antelope and Zebra is of much concern as the two are key species for tourist attraction in the park. Species 2008 2005 Trend (%) Roan 611 827 -26 Eland 1198 952 +26 Zebra 300 476 -37

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress K/Springer 44 62 -29 Common 171 187 -9 duiker Bushbuck 93 138 -33 Bush pig 41 38 +8 Warthog 192 175 +10 Data Source: DNPW

• A general decline has also been observed in Vwaza wildlife Reserve with zebra as the most affected. Elephants are the only animals that increased between 1985 and 2007. Animal 2007 2002 1985 species Elephants 460 342 250 Buffaloes 34 140 900 Kudu 135 222 500 Hartebeest 30 201 700 Roan 206 140 700 Zebra 4 16 250 Warthog 223 201 1500 Reedbuck 30 152 300 Bushbuck 139 71 700 Grysbok 59 55 1000 Common 131 140 1000 duiker Data Source: DNPW

Target 4.3: No species of wild • Change in status of • Recent increases in elephant flora or fauna endangered by threatened species populations indicate that there has international trade. been significant reduction on elephant poaching (which is triggered by international trade).

• Rhinos were extinct in Malawi due to international trade, these have been reintroduced and population is estimated to be 15 rhinos.

• Status of threatened species has remained the same, but there is potential for medicinal plants such as Mondia whitei , aloes becoming increasing rare due to international trade.

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress Address threats to biodiversity Goal 5. Pressures from habitat loss, land use change and degradation, and unsustainable water use, reduced.

Target 5.1. Rate of loss and • Trends in extent of • High population growth rate has degradation of natural habitats selected biomes, resulted in increased pressure on decreased. ecosystems and habitats land for agricultural and settlements. Information from • Trends in abundance and MoAFS shows that area under crop distribution of selected cultivation in 2008/09 was 3 million species Ha. This is an increase from 2.47 • Marine trophic index million hectares from 1999/2000. This has contributed to a significant reduction in area under wetlands and forests.

• Area under PAs was estimated to be 1,869,975 Ha in 1998. Data from Forestry Department shows that there are 88 Forest Reserves, 5 national parks and 4 wildlife reserves occupy about 2,018,198 Ha. This represents 8% increase. Despite this increase there has been massive encroachment into forest reserves and some forest reserves have been degazetted to pave way for settlements and development.

• Fisheries in Malawi are on the decline due to overfishing and pollution and as a result about 102 fish species are listed as endangered. There are no records of local extinction of fish species but work conducted in Lake Chilwa show that Labeo mesops and cylindricus have not been reported in riverine catches on the Malawi side for the past 20 years. Labeos are a major composition (by biomass) of Lake Chilwa influent rivers. Goal 6. Control threats from invasive alien species

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress

Target 6.1. Pathways for major • Trends in invasive alien • Biological control of the invasive potential alien invasive species species cassava mealybug ( Phenacoccus controlled. manihoti ) with diverse range of parasitoids and predators has resulted in significant reduction of the cassava mealybug.

• Cypress aphids (Cinara spp.) were first reported in Malawi in 1986 and by 1990 it was estimated that cypress aphids killed exotic conifer trees worth over 40 million US dollars. Due to biological control programme using wasps, populations of cypress aphids has reduced significantly.

• New invasive alien invertebrates, Lectocybe inrasa a pest on eucalyptus has been reported to be widespread in Malawi.

• Black wattle, a native of Australia has also been recorded in Malawi but still need to be studied.

• Backen fern is becoming a serious invasive species in Nyika National Park and Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. Blacken fern will be eradicated on Mulanje Mounatin under the Mulanje Mountain Biodiversity conservation Project. There is an opportunity that bracken fern will be eradicated on Nyika National Park under the proposed Nyika Transfrontier Conservation area Project.

• Use of Invasive alien fish species, carp and nile tilapia within the Lake Malawi basin is prohibited by law. Thus reducing the potential of these hybridizing with Lake Malawi endemic fish.

Target 6. 2. Management plans • Trends in invasive alien • Invasive alien species management in place for major alien species programme is uncoordinated and as a

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress that threaten ecosystems, species result potential sources of invasive habitats or species. species are very often not subjected to rigorous study and assessments.

• There is no national management plan for control and prevention of invasive species but sectors involved in eradication of invasive species incorporate aspects if IAS in their management plans. For example Mulanje Mounain Conservation Trust has Management plans for the management of invasive alien species (pines, Himalayan raspbury) on Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. The fisheries Department has a management plan for the control of water hyacinth, whilst the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi has been implementing a management plan for the control of cyperus aphids and other forest invasive alien species since 1990.

• Plans are underway to develop a national strategy and action plan for invasive species. Goal 7. Address challenges to biodiversity from climate change, and pollution

Target 7.1. Maintain and • Connectivity/fragmentatio • The NAPA has been adopted and enhance resilience of the n of ecosystems identified adaptation needs in components of biodiversity to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, wildlife adapt to climate change. etc. It also includes adaptation options for improving community resilience to climate change through development of sustainable livelihoods.

• Continus corridaor between Nyika national Park and Vwaza, between Liwonde National park and Namizimu forest Reserve provide an opportunity for animals to migrate freely and hence building their resilience to migrate to better areas

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress in times of droughts or floods.

Target 7.2. Reduce pollution • Nitrogen deposition • 1996-98 data from Lake Malawi and its impacts on biodiversity. catchment shows that the rivers • Water quality in aquatic supplied 0.26 to 0.40 g P m -2y-1 and ecosystems 2.0 to 4.5 g N m -2y-1 to the surface of Lake Malawi. These figures were three times (for Phosphorus) and six times (for nitrogen) higher than previously estimated. Considering that nitrate release is characteristic of catchments losing vegetation cover it may be argued that current levels of nitrogen deposits in aquatic ecosystems are much higher than the 1996-98 figures.

• Evidence of poor water quality in Lake Malawi may be extrapolated from the phytoplankton flora (based on 1996-98 study) of Lake Malawi which revealed that Planktolyngbya tallingi replaced the previously dominant Planktolyngbya nyassensis . The presence of P. tallingi indicates nutrient availability and poor light condition. A nitrogen fixing blue- green algae which is often a climax species in highly eutrophic situation and has a toxic form was also reported.

• Deforestation is major source of pollutants into the aquatic ecosystems. Despite measure and programme put in place to reduce the rate of deforestation, vegetation cover is being lost at an alarming rate. Maintain goods and services from biodiversity to support human well-being Goal 8. Maintain capacity of ecosystems to deliver goods and services and support livelihoods

Target 8.1. Capacity of • Biodiversity used in food • About 90% of Malawians depend on ecosystems to deliver goods and medicine (indicator natural resources endowment for a living in form of wild food and

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress and services maintained. under development) traditional medicines. The right of Malawian to continue deriving these • Water quality in aquatic goods from biodiversity is promoted ecosystems through the existing laws and • Marine trophic index policies. As long as the ecosystems • Incidence of Human- will be managed in line with the laws induced ecosystem failure and policies the capacity of ecosystems to deliver goods and services will be maintained.

• Sediment and nutrient loads due to human activities (cultivation, deforestation) have affected aquatic ecosystems. For example in Lake Chilwa Labeo mesops and L. cylindricus have not been reported in riverine catche on Lake Malawi rivers for the past 20 years, but these are abundant in Mozambican rivers. Deforestation has also change the ecosystems of most miombo forests and this has resulted in reduced mushroom population.

Target 8.2. Biological resources • Health and well-being of • Significant progress has been made to that support sustainable communities who depend document wild plants used for food livelihoods, local food security directly on local ecosystem and medicine in collaboration with and health care, especially of goods and services communities and traditional healers poor people maintained. with a view to come up with • Biodiversity used in food strategies for sustainable harvesting and medicine and propagation on medicinal plants. In order to promote a harmonised working relationship between conventional medical practice and traditional healers, a code of ethics for traditional health practitioners, traditional medicine policy and a draft Traditional Health Practitioners Bill have been prepared, all in consultation with and collaboration between the Traditional Healers’ Associations and Ministry of Health. The draft policy seeks to promote research into traditional medicine

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress and also provides for conservation of biodiversity and preservation of indigenous knowledge. These initiatives will facilitate mainstreaming of traditional medicine into the national health care system.

• Erosion of genetic diversity within domesticated crops is widespread and is due to preference to improved varieties. Programmes to characterise protect and multiply the remaining varieties, breeds and strains are on going within the Forestry Department and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (through the National Plant genetic Resources Centre).

• Current agrobiodiversity programmes do not include conservation of pollinators and soil flora and fauna upon which the agricultural diversity is dependent. Protect traditional knowledge, innovations and practices Goal 9 Maintain socio-cultural diversity of indigenous and local communities

Target 9.1. Protect traditional • Status and trends of • A draft Traditional Medicine policy knowledge, innovations and linguistic diversity and has been developed and when practices. numbers of speakers of approved this will promote indigenous languages protection of indigenous knowledge related to traditional healing. • Additional indicators to be developed • The relevant IPR legislation in Malawi is the Patents Act. This deals with Industrial inventions and was not designed to cater for issues such as community, farmers and breeders rights or indeed with specific attention to biological resources. As currently defined most of the indigenous technologies which are passed from generation to generation may not be recognised. In order to correct the situation work is under

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress way to integrate the African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources (the Model Legislation) into the Plant Variety Bill being drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

• Malawi has over 30 local languages. The major languages are being promoted and developed through deliberate government policy such as encouragement of radio and TV programmes in various languages. Languages and various traditional foods and practices are being promoted through tribal associations such as the Chewa Heritage Association, The Mulahko wa Alohmwe Association, Ngoni Heritage Association etc.

Target 9.2. Protect the rights of Indicator to be developed • The rights of communities living close indigenous and local to Protected Areas are respected and communities over their promoted through collaborative traditional knowledge, management. The Wildlife Policy has innovations and practices, provisions that permit communities including their rights to living close to national parks to have benefit-sharing. access to natural resources. In addition to this the policy provides for sharing of revenue with communities. The resource use programme is also being practices in Forest Reserves and Fisheries.

• Malawi is making progress to improve the current IPR regulations. The situation will improved when the Traditional Healers Bill which also promote issues of IPR, and the Plant Breeders Bill, which has provisions for protection of indigenous knowledge, and sharing of benefits arising from

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress the use of farmers’ innovations are approved by parliament. Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources Goal 10. Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources

Target 10.1. All access to Indicator to be developed • Access to genetic resources is guided genetic resources is in line with by Procedures and Guidelines for the Convention on Biological Access and Collection of Genetic Diversity and its relevant Resources in Malawi (Revised 2002) provisions. and Procedures and Guidelines for the Conduct of Research in Malawi (Revised 2002). Comprehensive ABS regulations are included in the revised EMA.

Target 10.2. Benefits arising Indicator to be developed • Provisions on ABS contained in the from the commercial and proposed Environmental other utilization of genetic Management Bill and the Manual on resources shared in a fair and Access and benefit Sharing will equitable way with the promote utilization of genetic countries providing such resources and equitable sharing of resources in line with the benefit in line with relevant Convention on Biological provisions of the CBD. Diversity and its relevant provisions Ensure provision of adequate resources Goal 11: Parties have improved financial, human, scientific, technical and technological capacity to implement the Convention

Target 11.1. New and • Official development • Financial support has been received additional financial resources assistance provided in from the GEF (for MMCT, Lake are transferred to developing support of the Convention Malawi Biodiversity Project, Nyika country Parties, to allow for TFCA etc), from USAID, Norway the effective implementation (Nyika Biodiversity Project, MMCT, of their commitments under Nyika TFCA). However this is still the Convention, in accordance inadequate when compared to the with Article 20. high number of rare and endemic species (especially fish) in Malawi.

Target 11.2. Technology is Indicator to be developed • Technologies relevant to biodiversity transferred to developing conservation and sustainable use country Parties, to allow for have been transferred to Malawi. For the effective implementation example fish cage farming has of their commitments under improved availability of chambo in

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Goals and targets Relevant indicators Progress the Convention, in accordance Lake Malawi. Technologies in capture with its Article 20, paragraph 4. and translocation of elephants have improved distribution and protection of elephants and have reduced the elephant human conflicts experienced in Phirilongwe Forest Reserve.

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4.3 Progress towards goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan

Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress Goal 1: The Convention is fulfilling its leadership role in international biodiversity issues. 1.1 The Convention is setting CBD provisions, COP Malawi believes the Convention is the global biodiversity agenda. decisions and 2010 target leading on setting the global reflected in work plans of biodiversity agenda as demonstrated major international forums at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 in south Africa.

This is also demonstrated by arranging a meeting to discuss the next course of action in implementing 2010 actions at the next 66 UN gathering. 1.2 The Convention is Malawi is of the opinion that the promoting cooperation Convention has clear guidelines and between all relevant measures that promote cooperation international instruments and between all relevant instruments such processes to enhance policy as the UNCCD, UNFCCC, RAMSAR, coherence. CITES, Convention on Migratory species etc. 1.3 Other international processes are actively supporting implementation of the Convention, in a manner consistent with their respective frameworks. 1.4 The Cartagena Protocol on Malawi ratified the Cartagena Biosafety is widely Protocol and has made significant implemented. progress in implementing provisions of the Protocol. In line with the Protocol Malawi has put in place Biosafety Act, Regulations and guidelines for managing GMOs, National Biosafety Committee. In addition, Malawi in 2008 approved National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy. Progress has also been made towards strengthening Malawi capacity in handling of GMOs through training. 1.5 Biodiversity concerns are Possible indicator to be SADC objectives strongly support being integrated into relevant developed: sustainable utilisation of natural

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Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress sectoral or cross-sectoral Number of regional/global resources and effective protection of plans, programmes and plans, programmes and the environment. To achieve this, a policies at the regional and policies which specifically number of biodiversity related global levels. address the integration of regional instruments have been biodiversity concerns into developed. These include Protocols on relevant sectoral or cross- Forestry, Tourism, shared waters, sectoral plans, programmes Wildlife Conservation, and Law and policies enforcement, the Environment and protocol on the development of Application of planning tools tourism. such as strategic environmental assessment to NEPAD which Malawi belongs to also assess the degree to which integrates biodiversity considerations biodiversity concerns are through its two priority areas of being integrated Agriculture and Food Security and Environment, climate change and Biodiversity integrated into tourism. the criteria of multilateral donors and regional development banks 1.6 Parties are collaborating at Possible indicator to be Malawi as a member of the SADC the regional and subregional developed: region collaborates with other SADC levels to implement the member states through a number of Number of Parties that are Convention. projects such as the SADC and USAID part of (sub-) regional collaborative project to improve the biodiversity-related management of selected shared river agreements basins and protect biodiversity in the Southern Africa region. The overall goal of the Agreement is to promote integrated management of shared water resources in a manner that contributes to poverty alleviation, equity and protection of biodiversity. The SDAC Regional Rhino Conservation Project is another example. Through this project Rhinos which were extinct in Malawi have been reintroduced in Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve. Malawi is also collaborating with Zambia on the conservation of shared Protected Areas. In this regard, Malawi signed an MoU with Zambia to

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Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress manage the Kasunga TFCA and Nyika TCFA. Goal 2: Parties have improved financial, human, scientific, technical, and technological capacity to implement the Convention. 2.1 All Parties have adequate Malawi lacks human, infrastructure capacity for implementation and institutional capacity to of priority actions in national implement the NBSAP. In this biodiversity strategy and recognition the NBSAP responded by action plans. prioritising three actions that would lead to strengthened infrastructure and human capacity ( Priority action 21: Develop human, institutional and national capacities to identify, monitor and manage biodiversity through training for target groups in relevant courses including taxonomy, natural resources management, biodiversity assessment and ethnobiology; Priority action 22: Instil a biodiversity culture in the youth of Malawi and local communities by developing guidelines on environmental education and curricula for schools and establishment of in-service training programmes for teachers; and Priority action 23: Establish and provide capacity for operationalizing the national CHM and strengthen and implement the existing CHM institutional structure, and develop national biodiversity databases). Capacity constraints were also highlighted in the National Capacity Self Assessment. Funding from the national budget is inadequate and often enough for salaries only. There is therefore need for additional resources to support or enhance efficiency of the existing human capacity and speed up implementation of the NBSAP. 2.2 Developing country Official development Funding from the national budget is

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Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress Parties, in particular the least assistance provided in inadequate. However most developed and the small support of the Convention biodiversity activities are funded by a island developing States (OECD-DAC Statistics combination of multilateral and amongst them, and other Committee) bilateral donors such as the GEF, Parties with economies in Norway, USAID, JICA, the EU etc. transition, have sufficient resources available to implement the three objectives of the Convention. 2.3 Developing country Malawi has received funding from Parties, in particular the least UNEP/GEF and other agencies to developed and the small implement the Cartagena Protocol on island developing States Biosafety and for capacity building. amongst them, and other These funding has supported training Parties with economies in of relevant personnel in risk transition, have increased assessment, risk management, resources and technology modern biotechnology etc. Malawi transfer available to still lacks technology and equipement implement the Cartagena to handle genetically modified Protocol on Biosafety. Organisms. 2.4 All Parties have adequate Limited capacity is available but capacity to implement the resources are inadequate to Cartagena Protocol on implement the Cartagena Protocol Biosafety. effectively. 2.5 Technical and scientific Indicator to be developed This has not been assessed. cooperation is making a consistent with VII/30 significant contribution to building capacity. Goal 3: National biodiversity strategies and action plans and the integration of biodiversity concerns into relevant sectors serve as an effective framework for the implementation of the objectives of the Convention. 3.1 Every Party has effective Number of Parties with Malawi published its NBSAP in 2006 national strategies, plans and national biodiversity which was formulated in such a way programmes in place to strategies that it directly contributes to all provide a national framework articles of the Convention. In addition for implementing the three the the NBSAP, Malawi has relevant objectives of the Convention strategies and programmes that and to set clear national contributes to the implementation of priorities. the Convention such as ex situ and in situ conservation of plant genetic resources (through the NPGRC) and

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Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress the Protected Areas Network. 3.2 Every Party to the Malawi in 2002 developed and Cartagena Protocol on adopted a Biosafety Act. In 2008, Biosafety has a regulatory Malawi adopted a Biotechnology and framework in place and Biosafety Policy. In line with the act, functioning to implement the Malawi put in place committees and Protocol. regulations for handling GMOs. These instruments are facilitating implementation of the Biosafety Protocol. 3.3 Biodiversity concerns are To be developed Sectoral policies and legislation being integrated into relevant (Forestry, Fisheries, and National Percentage of Parties with national sectoral and cross- Parks) were revised in line with EMA relevant national sectoral sectoral plans, programmes and NEP. It has been demosntrated in and cross-sectoral plans, and policies. Chapter 3 that biodiversity concerns programmes and policies in have been mainstreamed into NSSD, which biodiversity concerns MDGs, MGDS, NAPA. are integrated

3.4 The priorities in national To be developed NBSAP Priority Actions are directly biodiversity strategies and linked to CBD articles and were Number of national action plans are being actively designed to contribute to the biodiversity strategies and implemented, as a means to implementation of the 2010 targets. action plans that are being achieve national These are therefore contributing actively implemented implementation of the significantly towards the biodiversity Convention, and as a global agenda. significant contribution towards the global biodiversity agenda. Goal 4: There is a better understanding of the importance of biodiversity and of the Convention, and this has led to broader engagement across society in implementation. 4.1 All Parties are Possible indicator to be National Environmental Education and implementing a developed: Communication strategy was adopted communication, education, in 1996. Guided by the strategy school Number of Parties and public awareness strategy curriculum has been revised to implementing a and promoting public incorporate environmental education. communication, education participation in support of the For example, both UNIMA and MZUNI and public awareness Convention. are offering degrees in environment strategy and promoting and natural resources management. public participation Guided by the same strategy NGOs Percentage of public especially WESM and MMCT are awareness implementing environmental

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Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress programmes/projects about education programme but targeting the importance of the youth and the rural communities. biodiversity Public appreciation of the importance Percentage of Parties with of the Convention and the value of biodiversity on their public biodiversity in maintaining life is also school curricula being promoted through public awareness campaigns through the print and electronic media. 4.2 Every Party to the Limited awareness, education and Cartagena Protocol on participation programme are available Biosafety is promoting and for the Cartagena Protocol on facilitating public awareness, Biosafety. education and participation in support of the Protocol. 4.3 Indigenous and local To be developed by the Ad NEP strongly promotes community communities are effectively Hoc Open-ended Working participation in natural resources involved in implementation Group on Article 8(j) management. This is also supported and in the processes of the by the relevant sectoral policies such

Convention, at national, as the Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife regional and international which have provisions for levels. collaborative management with communities living within the vicinity of PAs. 4.4 Key actors and To be developed The private sector has actively stakeholders, including the participated biodiversity conservation Indicator targeting private private sector, are engaged in related activities such as ecotourism sector engagement, partnership to implement the and reforestation programmes. For Convention and are e.g. Voluntary type 2 example through the concession integrating biodiversity partnerships in support of agreement with the Forestry concerns into their relevant the implementation of the Department on harvesting of pine on sectoral and cross-sectoral Convention Viphya Plateau, Reply is required to plans, programmes and replace the trees they harvest. policies. The Public Private Partnerships contribution to achievement of CBD objectives is substantial. For example through PPP arrangement African Parks (Majete) has managed to reintroduced threatened mammals in Matege Wildlife Reserve. Similarly MMCT has increased areas under Mulanje cedar on Mulanje Mountain.

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Strategic goals and objectives Possible indicators Progress There is also potential to improve biodiversity on Nyika through partnership arrangement with Nyika Foundation.

4.3 Conclusions 4.3.1 Impact of CBD implementation in improving conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Based on results presented in previous chapters it is evident that implementation of the CBD has had positive impact on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in Malawi. For example, although Malawi had some conservation programmes prior to the Convention there are a number of positive gains that came about after Malawi became party to the CBD. Among the positive gains are issues related to biosafety and technology transfer, access and benefit sharing, protection of the indigenous knowledge, and incorporation of environmental issues into the school curriculum. The benefits need to be strengthened and the following achievements have provided solid background for Malawi to achieve better results in future. a) Malawi in response to Decision 10 of the CoP is in the process of developing guidelines for sustainable use of biodiversity. By developing the guidelines Malawi will be contributing to the realisations of NBSAP Priority Action 5 regarding development of guidelines. b) Restoration of degraded ecosystems (e.g. Ndilande Forest Reserve) by the Forestry Department, reintroduction of threatened mammal species (elephants, rhinos etc) in Majete Wildlife Reserve, and restoration of chambo (Tilapia) in Lake Malawi. Although the restoration programmes are not guided by national programmes and strategies, this is the starting point for achieving NBSAP target in respect of Priority Action 2 (develop and effectively manage restoration programmes and initiatives to restore threatened species). c) Initiation of a process to revise the Environmental management Act is a major achievement. When adopted, the revised EMA will provide for establishment of an independent institution (Environmental Protection Authority) that will oversee implementation of NRM programmes in Malawi. This will promote a coordinated approach towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Malawi. The process to revise EMA also contributes to achieving NBSAP targets related to Priority Actions 18 to 20 (see Box 1 for NBSAP Priority Actions and Targets). d) Significant progress with the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol as attested by adoption of the Biosafety Policy in 2002, adoption and approval by parliament of the Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy in 2008, setting up of national biosafety committees to monitors and facilitate implementation of the Biosafety Protocol. This also means that Malawi has initiated work to implement requirements of Article 19 of the Convention regarding handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits. In addition, this also shows that Malawi has made significant progress towards NBSAP target related to Priority 11 (regarding implementation of the Biosafety Act).

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e) Considerable progress has been made in mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into national plans and programmes. As pointed out in section 3, MGDS (a medium term strategy for wealth creation and growth) integrates biodiversity concerns by promoting sustainable conservation of natural resources base. Despite these achievements, Malawi has encountered a number of challenges in the implementation of the NBSAP. The following are some of the challenges:

• There is lack of framework for monitoring and evaluating biodiversity programs. In addition the targets and measurable indicators do not permit systematic follow up of progress of implementations. This is also made worse by the lack of baseline data on biodiversity components.

• There is inadequate flow of information on biodiversity programmes because the CHM is not fully functional. In addition there is lack of research on biodiversity which means that information is often outdated and inadequate.

• Biodiversity has a low profile in the national agenda and as a result there is less funding from the national budget and from the international community for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

• There is weak coordination of biodiversity programs in Malawi. The EAD as an institution designated to coordinate implementation the NBSAP has not put in place mechanisms to facilitate implementation.

• The regulatory framework for biodiversity is weak.

4.3.2 Lessons learned regarding implementation of the Convention Little progress has been made on sensitising the private sector on the importance of biodiversity conservation. With the exception of projects that have undergone EIAs most private sector activities especially tobacco estates have not integrated biodiversity concerns into their activities. Malawi has also learned that biodiversity reporting is more meaningful when compared to baseline data. In order to ensure that Malawi is making progress, achievements reported in this report will be regarded as baseline for comparison in the fifth National Report. Not only is the lack on indicators problematic when reporting, lack of follow up on CoP decisions means that projects being implemented by various organisations are not responding to CoP decisions and specific NBSAP actions. This makes preparation of national biodiversity reports difficults because information is not readily available. Success has been made in sensitizing local communities on the importance of biodiversity. This has promoted participation of local communities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Success has also been made in mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into national programmes and plans. With the exception of these, integration of biodiversity considerations into the private sector especially commercial farmers has been minimal. This is an area that requires special attension.

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4.3.3 Future Priorities and Capacity building needs a) Future priorities Although, Malawi has put in place conducive legislation, policies, strategies and programmes to facilitate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, biodiversity conservation is still problematic. There are a number of priority issues that must be implemented first if Malawi is to make strides in biodiversity conservation. In this recognition, Malawi through the National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) process identified national biodiversity priority issues. The biodiversity issues were ascertained taking into consideration the strategic approach established with NBSAP. It is envisaged that implementation of the priority issues will improve environmental, and natural resources management, through capacity building at systemic, institutional and individual levels in accordance with the challenges of the CBD. The NCSA identified and prioritised the following issues. Priorities were ranked according to scale of problem, level of concern and ability to address the issue.

Table 17. Assessment of priority issues in order of their importance to Malawi (adapted from draft NSCA on Biological Diversity). No Issue

Scale of Problem Scale of of Level Concern Inability adequately address issue ranking Priority to 1. Inadequate appropriate measures for in situ and ex situ 6 3 3 12 conservation of biodiversity 2. Increasing numbers of threatened species and populations 6 3 3 12 3 Increasing spread of invasive species 6 3 3 12 4 Inadequate capacity to conduct research in biodiversity 6 3 3 12 5 Inadequate capacity to deal with issues relating to 6 3 3 12 biotechnology such as safe use, monitoring, evaluation and research 6 Inadequate capacity to identify, monitor, evaluate and 6 3 3 12 manage biodiversity 7 Inadequate sustainable funding for biodiversity related 6 3 3 12 activities/projects/programmes 8 Inadequate legislation to deal with issues relating to access 1 3 3 7 to biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of the biological resources

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9 Poor exchange of information and knowledge on 1 3 3 7 biological diversity 10 Inadequate integration of biological diversity issues within 1 3 3 7 the national priority development programmes 11 Inadequate enforcement of legislation on implementation 1 3 3 7 of programmes and projects leading to adverse impacts on biodiversity 12 Poor community participation in the conservation and 1 3 3 7 sustainable utilisation of biological diversity 13 Low capacity to access and absorb financial resources 1 3 3 7 provided via the financial mechanism of the Convention 14 Inadequate innovation to translate research results into 1 3 3 7 tools for managing biodiversity 15 Weak linkage between research results and policy 1 3 3 7 formulation 16 Unsustainable implementation of programmes 1 3 2 6

Scale of problem; 3= Global, 2 = Trans-boundary, 1 = National Level of concern: 3 = high, 2 = medium, 1 = low Inability to adequately address issue; 3 = low, 2 = medium, 1 = high b) Capacity building needs The NCSA on Biological Diversity undertaken in 2006 provided a comprehensive analysis of capacity needs to address the above priority issues. The following systemic, institutional and individual capacity needs are based on the NCSA. i) Systemic capacity

• There are a number of national policies/strategies and legislation relating to biodiversity. However, the legal and policy frameworks are over burdens with overlaps, gaps and inconsistencies. The sectoral policies and legislation need to be harmonised to minimise overlaps and conflicts. In addition, there is need to develop appropriate instruments (e.g. regulations, guidelines and contractual agreements) to fully operationise the existing sectoral policies and legislation.

• Most institutions have clearly defined mandates related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. However, role and responsibilities of overlapping institutions require further clarification and formalisation.

• In adequate government funding continue to be the major obstacle affecting effective implementation of biodiversity programmes in Malawi. This is despite Malawi facilitating establishment of three Trust Funds to finance natural resources management. There is need therefore to review the current funding strategies.

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• Public Private Partnerships have potential to contribute towards improved biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. This should be strengthened through creation of enabling policy frameworks for PPPs.

• Information on status and trends of biodiversity is scattered, inadequate and outdated. This affects sound decision making regarding what to conserve. A national programme to fill information gaps should be developed. ii) Institutional capacity

• While only a few of the institutions are solely dedicated to biodiversity work, most of the scientific and academic institutions are in one way or another involved in biodiversity conservation. Internal instruments of these institutions should be reviewed to be consistent with EMA.

• The responsibility of the institutions, their activity, co-ordination and accountability in the field of biodiversity is low and therefore need further improvement.

• The scientific and academic institutions do not have adequate financial resources for biodiversity conservation. These institutions should develop strategies for identifying alternative source of funding.

• The human resources available in research institutions are fairly qualified but inadequate. To improve the situation Malawi should develop a strategy to increase the pool of scientists. This should be based on needs assessment.

• Availability of information services e.g. libraries and Internet service are inadequate. This should be strengthened through operationisation of the Clearing House Mechanism.

• There is low appreciation of biodiversity among policy makers. To improve the situation a strategy for raising the appreciation of the CBD among relevant government institutions and saff should be developed and implemented iii) Individual level:

• Current educational level and knowledge on biodiversity related issues are sufficient in few research and academic institutions. There is need therefore to strengthen the understanding of biodiversity in most of the institutions, particularly at the District Assembly and community level.

• The exchange and access to information is inadequate among the professional scientists in various research institutions.

• Individual motivation to promote excellence in biodiversity issues is low due to poor incentives and motivation.

• Communication skills among the individuals involved directly involved in biodiversity conservation is adequate.

• There is appropriate deployment of human resources in research and academic institutions but it is poor in most other institutions.

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Appendix I - Information concerning reporting Party and preparation of national report

A. Reporting Party Contracting Party Malawi NATIONAL FOCAL POINT Environmental Affairs Department, Ministry of Natural Resources, Full name of the institution Energy and Environment

Name and title of contact Dr. Yanira Ntupanyama, Director officer Mailing address Lingazi House, P. Bag 394, Lilongwe 3 Telephone +265 1 771 111 Fax +265 1 773 379 E-mail [email protected]

CONTACT OFFICER FOR NATIONAL REPORT (IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE) Environmental Affairs Department, Ministry of Natural Resources, Full name of the institution Energy and Environment

Name and title of contact Mr. M.K.M Mwanyongo, Assistant Director of Environmental officer Affairs Mailing address Lingazi House, P. Bag 394, Lilongwe 3 Telephone +265 1 771 111 Fax +265 1 773 379 E-mail [email protected]

SUBMISSION Signature of officer responsible for submitting national report Date of submission

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B. Process of preparation of national report This report is prepared based on information from the literature and stakeholder consultations as follows:

Literature Search. The purpose of literature search was to obtain an overview of past and present activities on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. The results were used to prepare a preliminary report from which information gaps were identified. In addition to this the report provided basis for determining methodologies for data collection and sources of the missing information. The following publications were consulted. • Malawi Growth and Development Strategy. • National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, • Malawi National Strategy for Sustainable Development, • Policies and Acts related to biodiversity conservation such as the National Environmental Policy, National Forestry Policy, National Forestry Programme, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, Natioal parks and Wildlife Policy, Land Resources Policy, Malawi Report on Policy, Environmental Management Act. • National Environmental Action Plan • Malawi State of Environment Reports, • National Biodiversity Reports (First, second and third national reports), • Malawi Economic Reports

Stakeholder consultations Malawi is encouraged under decision VII/25 of CDB to ensure wide stakeholder involvement, as well as that of indigenous and local communities, in the preparation of national reports, or in related processes that will inform national-report preparation, to ensure a more accurate and comprehensive reflection of the views and priorities of national stakeholders. In order to achieve this, key stakeholders form the universities (University of Malawi and Mzuzu), Government Institutions (Environmental Affairs Deptartment; Forestry Department, Department of National Parks and Wildlife; National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Malawi; Fisheries Department; FRIM; NRPGC; and Department of Agricultural Research), NGOs (e.g. Wildlife and Environment Society of Malawi, Malawi Environment Endowment Trust, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, and Molecular Biology and Ecological Research Unit, MBERU) and the private sector were consulted.The objective of the consultations was to collect additional information and also to verify and or update information from literature. Information from stakeholders and the literature was used to prepare a draft report. National consultative Workshop The draft report was discussed at a stakeholder’s workshop organized by Environmental Affaires Department. The workshop was attended by members of the National Biodiversity Steering Committee and representative of key biodiversity institutions (NHBG, UNIMA, MZUNI, MMCT, FOrestry Department, Department of Fisheries etc). The workshop was convened in order to: a) brief the participants on the progress being made in the peparation of the fourth country report and obtain endorsement of the National Biodiversity Steering Committee to submit the draft report to UNEP, b) brief participants on the extent to which Malawi has implemented the NBSAP and obstacles encountered in the process,

107 c) present the fourth report and solicit their comments, contributions and endorsement, d) discuss the mechanisms to be put in place to speed up NBSAP implementation.

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Appendix II - Further sources of information

• www.countryStar.org/MWI (CountrSTAT Malawi - Draft site). • http://www.chmmw.org (Malawi Clearing House Mechanism). • Malawi Pover and Environment Initiative Economic Report, May 2010 (Yoran et. Al. 2010). • FAOSTAT (2009), see www.faostat.fao.org . • http://ag.arizona.edu/oals/malawi/PLUS.html ; MALAWI+ Public Lands Utilisation Study (PLUS). Final Report by Orr B., Eiswerth B., Finan T., and Mlembo L. (1998). University of Arizona Office of Arid Lands Studies and the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi. • National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Environmental Affairs Department 2006).

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Annex III - Targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Decision VI/9 of CoP 6 invites Parties and Governments to develop national and/or regional targets, and, as appropriate, to incorporate the targets for the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation into relevant plans programmes and initiatives, including national biodiversity strategies and action plans. This decision has not been adequately followed up in Malawi such that Malawi has no national strategy for plant conservation. The targets were not also incorporated into the NBSAP. Despite this, most NBSAP strategies and actions were designed to contribute towards the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. It must be pointed out however that most targets most were also implemented through the SABONET project which phased out in 2005.

Malawi has not designated a focal point for the implementation of the strategy. This means that there is no institution to follow up implementation. Despite this, activities undertaken by the NHBG, FRIM, MoAFS etc have contributed to the implementation of various targets of the strategy.

Progress Challenges Priorities Target 1: A widely accessible working list of known plant species, as a step towards a complete world flora Malawi has no national checklist but the following • Inadequate human and infrastructure • Revising the existing checklists, are a valuable sources of information for the capacities to compile and check the • Finalising the electronic data base and linking preparation of a national checklist of plants. nomenclature of the names, it with GIS to facilitate preparation of national − Pteridophyta collected in Malawi, with a • inadequate up to date taxonomic literature checklists of plants. preliminary checklist of the Orders Psilotales • inadequate funding. • Finalising and publishing the national checklist and Lycopodiales (Berrie 1981) of plants of Malawi. − A First Checklist of the Herbaceous Flora of Malawi (Binns 1968) − An annotated checklist of the macrophytes of the Shire River, Malawi, with reference to potential aquatic weeds (Blackmore et al 1989).

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− Systematic list of Nyika botanical collections (Brummitt 1973) − Plants of the Nyika Plateau (Burrow and Willis 2005). − IUCN Red Data List for Southern African Plants − A checklist of indigenous agricultural crops and germplasm (National Plant Genetic Resource Centre) An electronic database of the herbarium collections at the National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens has potential for being used to develop an up to date checklist of plants of Malawi. This together with information from the literature including Flora Zambesiaca has been used to prepare a draft national checklist. Target 2: A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species, at national, regional and international levels • With support from SABONET a preliminary • Limited human capacity to undertake • capacity building for Red Data List assessment of conservation status of some conservation status of plan species using assessment. plants of Malawi was conducted and the recommended IUCN methodologies. • production and maintenance of Red Data List resulted were part of the IUCN Southern • Inadequate financial resources for Malawi through the existing channels. Africa Red Data List. The results show that approximately 261 species are considered threatened, vulnerable, rare or endangered. • Malawi has been participating in the Millennium Seed Bank Project and through this project a total of 950 plat species were

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targeted. In order to facilitate decision making full conservation assessment of 63 species determined as having either the highest extinction threat, or as being data deficient, were treated to a fuller conservation assessment based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Target 3: Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience • Malawi is in the process of developing • Inadequate research capacity • Building capacity in the development of guidelines for sustainable use of biodiversity. • poor institutional collaboration methodologies and protocols for conservation and sustainable use of plants. • The Millennium Seed Bank project, which • Making available information about plants Malawi is a partner produces threatened electronically and on the Clearing House species dossier that contains information on Mechanism. plant populations in the wild, germination

protocols, propagation methods and recommendations for ex situ and in situ conservation.

• MMCT has an Ecological Monitoring Programme where biodiversity parameters such as species diversity, conservation status, human activities are monitored in permanent ecological plots. Results of the study will be used to develop models for plant conservation and sustainable use in the reserve. Target 4: At least 10 per cent of each of the world's ecological regions effectively conserved

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• About 12% of Malawi’s total land areas under • Low capacity to enforce the law and • Implementation of the WWF Ecoregions to Protected Areas network which is more than implement the relevant policies. increase representation of conserved the global target. The percentage may • Encroachment into protected areas due to ecoregions. increase if the proposed three forestry poverty, agricultural expansion and • Speed up approval of the three proposed reserves are approved. development. Forest Reserves. • Assess conservation status of ecosystems. • Almost all the ecoregions found in Malawi • (WWF ecoregions and IUCN Afromontane Facilitate approval of Lake Chilwa wetland as a Ecoregions of Forest Biodiversity (e.g. community conservation area. Mulanje Forest Reserve and Nyika National Park) are represented in the Protected Areas network.

Target 5: Protection of 50 per cent of the most important areas for plant diversity assured • Approximately 28% of the total land area of • Low capacity to enforce the law. • Develop guidelines for selection of PAs Malawi is under forest cover. Of these about • Inadequate policy harmonisation. 11% is national parks and wildlife reserves, • Land shortage which leads to encroachment 10% are gazetted forest reserves and the into protected areas. remaining 7% is natural woodlands on • Approximately 240,000 Ha of forests occur customary land. Currently there are about 88 on customary land and hence not protected gazetted forest reserves and 5 National Parks by law. and 4 Wildlife reserves. The protected areas cover a wide range of habitats ranging from closed forests to wetlands and aquatic habitats e.g. Lake Malawi National Park. Protected areas such are Nyika National Park, Zomba and Mulanje mountains are considered areas of high plant biological

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diversity. • The primary reason for creating forest reserves is for catchment protection. In addition to this function, PAs play a role in biodiversity conservation, forestry protection, protection of water supply an erosion control. Currently it is estimated that about 14 forestry reserves are valued for biodiversity conservation and presence of rare and endemic species. Target 6: At least 30 per cent of production lands managed consistent with the conservation of plant diversity • Integrated watershed Projects being • limited human capacity and inadequate • Update or develop land use management implemented within the Lake Malawi basin funding for such activities. plans for selected areas and Lake Chilwa basin aim at improving • Lack of appropriate incentives the ecosystem function and sustainable natural conservation of plant diversity resources management following the ecosystem approach and also aim at mainstreaming biodiversity into land use planning. • Community participation in natural resources management and in on farm conservation of plant genetic resources through the national gene bank is assisting small holder farmers manage lands in line with the conservation of plan diversity. Target 7: 60 per cent of the world's threatened species conserved in situ. • An assessment of the conservation status of • A total of 241 plant species are included in • Build human and infrastructure capacities,

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plants of Malawi during the NBSAP observed the Malawi Red Data List as being • Assess conservation status of major that all the known threatened species are threatened. The lists does not include all biodiversity components, represented in Malawi’s protected areas Orchids and Aloes most of which are • Update list of threatened species network but their populations are declining. threatened. This means that the number of This means that the following strategies threatened species may be more than 241 provided in the National Forestry Programme species. to some extent provide mechanisms to • ensure that threatened species continue to High poverty and population pressure be conserved in situ in Protected Areas. means species will always be threatened – making conservation efforts difficult. o NFP 4.2 - Optimize policy influence • on forests and livelihoods Inadequate plans to protect threatened species outside Pas o NFP 4.3 - Build local forest governance through decentralization

o NFP 4.4 - Support Community based forest management

o NFP 4.6 - Strengthen forest extension

o NFP 4.9 - Manage forest reserves. Target 8: 60 per cent of threatened plant species in accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and 10 per cent of them included in recovery and restoration programmes • The total number of threatened species in • A comprehensive list of threatened species Strengthen the capacity of the NPGRC and the Malawi is not known. Despite this, the and their distributional range is not known. national tree seed centre. following on going ex situ conservation • Inadequate human capacity. programme have significantly contributed to the realisation of this target.

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o Threatened Plants Programme initiated during the SABONET project has contributed to the collection and introduction in the botanic gardens of such species as Aloes (30 species), orchids (about 11 species), and rare medicinal plants. o The National Plant Genetic Resource Centre collects and stores on long term basis seeds for cultivated and wild relatives of cultivated crops. Currently the Centre has over 3000 accessions. o The National Tree Seed Centre, collects and stores on short term basis threatened and rare indigenous trees species. o Through the Millennium Seed Band about 950 accessions of rare and threatened plants have been collected and are being stored at Kew with duplicates at NPGRC. Target 9: 70 per cent of the genetic diversity of crops and other major socio-economically valuable plant species conserved, and associated indigenous and local knowledge maintained • The National Plant Genetic Centre, National • Inadequate infrastructure and human • Build capacity for multiplication and Tree Seed Centre, Government Research capacity to collect and maintain the reintroduction of threatened species into Stations have the mandate to collect and collections. the wild. conserve all crops including their wild • Inadequate financial resources. relatives. • Inadequate appreciation of the importance

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• Approximately 50 crop species (almost all and value of ex situ conservation of crops. known crops grown in Malawi) are conserved on long term basis at the National Plant genetic Resource Centre. The sample size of each crop species is of enough quantity to allow reintroduction of crops.

• The National Tree Seed centre maintains a viable collection of all threatened trees species of Malawi. This when combined with seed collection maintained by the NHBG, agricultural research stations means that more than 70 percent of crop species grown in Malawi are under conservation of some sort.

Target 10: Management plans in place for at least 100 major alien species that threaten plants, plant communities and associated habitats and ecosystems • Malawi has about 30 invasive species. At • Due to limited resources control and Development of management plans for major the moment no national management plan management of invasive species is restricted invasive alien species. for control and prevention of invasive to a few invasive species. In addition to this species is available. there is scientific uncertainty about the • Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust has environmental, social and economic risk Management plans for the management of posed by a potentially invasive alien species invasive alien species (pines, Himalayan and as a result, only those adequately studied raspberry) on Mulanje Mountain Forest are targeted. This has often resulted in Reserve. delayed or postponement of eradication and • The fisheries Department has a

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management plan for the control of water control of invasive species. hyacinth using biological control agents. • • Forestry Research Institute of Malawi has Management programmes are been implementing a management plan for uncoordinated, and often emphasize on the control of cyperus aphids since 1990. eradication than prevention of introductions. Biological control agents using wasps have • Institutional framework and policies that reduced the populations of aphids and have would have facilitated control and reduce reduced the number of conifer trees spread of potentially invasive species within destroyed by the aphids significantly. Malawi and between its neighbours are • The Ministry of Agriculture and Food unavailable. security has a management plan to control the larger grain borer. With a combination • Unavailability of a designated organisation to of chemical and better storage facilities, coordinate invasive species programmes grain loss from the larger grain borer can be means that sectoral activities, such as reduced significantly. fisheries, agriculture, forestry, and horticulture are very often not subjected to rigorous study and assessments.

• Lack of an effective overall coordinating institution on invasive species management. Target 11: No species of wild flora endangered by international trade • Malawi has various instruments that • Lack of harmonization between sectoral • Produced a comprehensive list of traded regulation international trade and these policies and laws which have provisions for plants. include the Investment Promotion Act, international trade, Malawi Bureau of Standards, Control of • inadequate understanding of the mechanisms Goods Acts, The Customs and Excise Act, and instruments regulating international EMA, National Park and Wildlife Act, trade, Forestry Act and the Fisheries Conservation

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and Management Act. • uncoordinated issuing of collection and expert permits, ineffective monitoring and • Current projects on traditional medicine non compliance. aim at promoting cultivation of rare medicinal plants to reduce pressure on wild populations. Target 12: 30 percent of plant-based products derived from sources that are sustainably managed • Science and Technology Policy (2001) - has • Progress towards sustainable use of biological • Develop regulations for bioprospecting. policy element for developing Intellectual resources requires political will to create an Property Rights regimes as a measure to enabling environment. promote sustainable use of biological • resources. Despite the existence of a number of multisectoral policies, laws and regulations • Procedures and Guidelines for Access and that in one way or another deal with Collection of Genetic Resources - provides sustainable use of biological resources, preliminary controls to ensure that only Malawi lacks a streamlined policy and sources that are sustainably managed are legislative framework (or a cross-cutting used in bioprospecting. Malawi is however biodiversity policy) that clearly articulates developing regulations that will regulate strategies on how biological resources can be access to genetic resources. used.

• Commercial Products from natural products • Inadequate human capacity to enforce the such as indigenous fruit juices (e.g. Baobab law and implement the policies is also juice), aloe products, moringa products are affecting effective implementation of this produces from sources that are either target. cultivated or are sustainably managed. • The existing regulations and outdated and ineffective to adequately monitor illegal access to genetic resources and unsustainable

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harvesting of resources.

• Lack of guidelines and procedures on sustainable harvesting of natural resources.

Target 13: The decline of plant resources, and associated indigenous and local knowledge innovations and practices, that support sustainable livelihoods, local food security and health care, halted. • Access to genetic resources by foreign • Inadequate policy, law and institutional • Facilitate approval of the revised EMA by investors is controlled by procedures and framework to guide and regulate access to parliament. guidelines for collection of genetic of plant resources, resources. Additionally access to genetic • resources is adequately provided for in the inadequate human capacity to enforce the revised Environmental Management Bill. current regulations; • • In situ conservation of forgotten plants such inadequate coordination among the as bambara nuts and draught resistance institutions providing licenses for collection crops such as sorghum and millet by the of plant resources are the major constraints NPGRC has improved avilability of these to achieving this target. crops to farmers. • Efforts have been made to document indigenous vegetables, fruits, tubers, medicinal plants. The information is being used to identify the widely used species and those with high nutrition value. These are being recommended for use in home base case as nutritional supplements.

• Procedures and Guidelines for access and

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collection of genetic resources adopted in 2002 discourage illegal and unsustainable harvesting of genetic resources. The initiative by the EAD to promulgate the regulations into law is a right step towards halting the current decline of plant resources.

Target 14: The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, education and public awareness programmes. • Malawi has for over four decades been • Funding for the environmental education • Revise the communication strategy. implementing national tree plant programmes programmes. This programme is inaugurated • by the Head of State. The theme for 2010 Lack of appreciation on the value of plant aimed at promoting planting of trees to diversity mitigate effects of climate change. In general national tree planting programmes raise the profile of the importance of plant diversity in sustaining life. The programme is accompanied by awareness campaign on the importance of plant diversity.

• Environmental education programme being implemented by the National Botanic Gardens, MMCT, WESM and MEET targeting the youth focus include topics on plant conservation.

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• Natural resources and environmental education taught in tertially and secondary schools have a focus on plant conservations and their importance in sustaining life.

Target 15: The number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, according to national needs, to achieve the targets of this Strategy. • Different Government Departments and • Inadequate financial resources and qualified • Review the carriculum of teacher training Organisations including NGOs have human staff to teach plant sciences in schools colleges to include courses on plant capacity enhancement programmes. The conservations. exact number of people that have been trained can not be determined but available information show that people have been trained at different levels. For example under SABONET, the Biodiversity Support Programme, Norwegian Science Council (NUFU) over 30 people have been trained in various fields. Over 100 students have been trained in environmental sciences at masters level at Chancellor College since 2002.

On going staff development at Forestry Department and National Parks gives staff opportunity to train in general botany, taxonomy, ethonobotany and inventories. Target 16: Networks for plant conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and international levels • Malawi is an active member of regional • Inadequate collaboration of national • Develop guidelines for sharing of network such as SABONET, FISNA (Forest institutions; information and biological resources.

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Invasive Species Network for Africa) which is • inadequate access to information; currently chaired by FRIM and Plant • inadequate financial support for electronic Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA) whose networking. regional office for Southern Africa is based at NHBG.

• Malawi is a signatory to regional protocols such as SADC protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement, Protocol on Environmental, Protocol of unshared water systems. • At the national level, Malawi has a network on information exchange and sharing.

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Annex IV – Goals and Targets of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas

Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities

1.1. To establish and strengthen By 2010, terrestrially 4/ and Forest Reserves were Effectiveness Establish adequacy, national and regional systems of 2012 in the marine area, a created principally to ifsconstrained by representativeness and protected areas integrated into global network of conserve soil and water iadequate human capacity effectiveness of PAs of a global network as a comprehensive, representative and as such they are and funding. Malawi based on IUCN contribution to globally agreed and effectively managed distributed in major Protected Areas Limited land means that goals. national and regional catchments. Approximately categories. there is limited protected area system is 14 Forest Reserves were opportunity for established as a contribution to established with establishing new (i) the goal of the Strategic Plan biodiversity conservation in protected areas. of the Convention and the mind. World Summit on Sustainable National Parks on the other Development of achieving a hand were established to significant reduction in the rate conserve wild animals and of biodiversity loss by 2010; (ii) their ecosystems. Despite the Millennium Development this, major vegetation Goals – particularly goal 7 on types, wetlands and ensuring environmental aquatic ecosystems are sustainability; and (iii) the represented in the Global Strategy for Plant protected areas systems. Conservation Institutional framework for the management of PAs is available and if adequately capacitated canfacilitate effective management of

4/ Terrestrial includes inland water ecosystems.

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities Protected Area. Land shorate has forced Malawi to concentrate more on the protection of the existing protected areas than on creating new protected areas. Most aquatic ecosystems are not protected except southern part of Lake Malawi, Vwaza Marsh, part of Lake Malombe (as part of Liwonde National Park). Lake Chilwa is a Ramsar site and was designated as a wetland of international importance for waterfowl habitat in 1997. There are plans to turn part of the wetland into a community conservation area. 1.2. To integrate protected areas By 2015, all protected areas Management of protected into broader land- and and protected area systems areas follow an Ecosystem seascapes and sectors so as to are integrated into the wider Approach. A good example

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities maintain ecological structure land- and seascape, and is the Liwonde – Mangochi and function. relevant sectors, by applying Forest Management Plan the ecosystem approach and that was development taking into account ecological jointly by the Forestry connectivity 5/ and the Department and concept, where appropriate, of Department of National ecological networks. Parks. The management plan follows a holistic approach. 1.3. To establish and strengthen Establish and strengthen by Transboundary Unharmonised national Establish transboundary regional networks, 2010/2012 6/ transboundary management plan is being policies and national management plans and transboundary protected areas protected areas, other forms of implemented between priorities. agreements with Tanzania (TBPAs) and collaboration collaboration between Zambia and Malawi for and Mozambique between neighbouring neighbouring protected areas Nyika National Park. The targeting Lake Malawi and protected areas across national across national boundaries and plan include two parks in Lake Chilwa. boundaries. regional networks, to enhance Malawi (Nyika and Vwaza) the conservation and and three PAs (two forest sustainable use of biological reserves and one national diversity, implementing the park) from Zambia. ecosystem approach, and There is also an MoU for improving international the management of cooperation transboundary area between Zambia and

5/ The concept of connectivity may not be applicable to all Parties. 6/ References to marine protected area networks to be consistent with the target in the WSSD plan of implementation.

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities Malawi on Kasungu National Park. WWF Miombo ecoregion programme of Malawi identified four areas of biodiversity importance. The Nkhotakota - kasungu area of biodiversity importance was prioritised being a migratory route for animals. Transboundary Conservation Areas are supported by regional SADC protocols wildlife, water and forests. 1.4. To substantially improve All protected areas to have Five National Parks and Management plans based Support capacity building site-based protected area effective management in Four Wildflive Reserves on science will require for collection and planning and management. existence by 2012, using have master management adequate capacity and analysing relevant participatory and science- plans. funding which are not scientific data that can based site planning processes available. facilitate planning and in A general management that incorporate clear decision making in plan for all Forest Reserves Most PAs management biodiversity objectives, targets, management of PAs. is available. In addition to plans do not have targets management strategies and this through the EU and indicators. This does monitoring programmes,

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities drawing upon existing project, all participating not facilitate monitoring methodologies and a long-term forest reserve havel and evaluations of management plan with active developed forest achievements. stakeholder involvement management plans.

Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve has a managemet plan which is being jointly implemented by the Forestry Department and MMCT. 1.5. To prevent and mitigate the By 2008, effective mechanisms Implementation of EIA Inadequate financial and Build capacity for law negative impacts of key threats for identifying and preventing, guidelines in all projects to human resources. enforcement. to protected areas. and/or mitigating the negative be undertaken in PAs to Lack of capacity for law impacts of key threats to prevent and mitigates enforcement. protected areas are in place. impacts of key threats. Illegal harvesting, poaching and encroachment is being prevent through enforcement of relevant laws and policies. Fire management plans contribute to biodiversity conservation of forest reserves.

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities

2.1. To promote equity and Establish by 2008 mechanisms Department of Forestry has Inadequate legal Study economic benefit-sharing. for the equitable sharing of developed resource use framework for benefit importance of PAs (costs, both costs and benefits arising programmes in most forest sharing in PAs. benefits and impacts from from the establishment and reserves. This has PAs). management of protected promoted sustainable Develop Access and areas harvesting of timber and benefit sharing regulations other non-timber forestry and guidelines in PAs. products. Harmonise benefit sharing The National Parks and programme, policies and Wildlife Act was amended laws in National Parks and in 2004 to take into Wildlife Reserves and consideration the concept Forest Reserves. of collaborative management. Prior to this Malawi had in 1996 approved resource use and revenue sharing schemens in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Nyika- Vwaza Association was established to management funds realised from the revenue sharing scheme. The funds are used for community

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities development activities. The Department of Forestry has provisions in the Forest Ecosystem and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for developing access and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Malawi is in the process of developing regulations for Access and Benefit Sharing

2.2. To enhance and secure Full and effective participation The existing policies and About 52% of Malawi’s Review relevant laws and involvement of indigenous and by 2008, of indigenous and legal frameworks in population lives below the policies to fully address local communities and relevant local communities, in full Forestry, and National poverty line and as a result the rights and stakeholders. respect of their rights and Parks and Wildlife, local communities are responsibilities of local recognition of their including the Local forced by the low communities. responsibilities, consistent with Government Act have economic base to use Documents indigebous national law and applicable provisions for community natural resources for a knowledge systems in PAs international obligations, and participation. This living. Hence, although and integrate them in PA the participation of relevant promotes the participation local communities are management to promote stakeholders, in the of local communities in aware of their rights and participation of local

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities management of existing, and planning and management responsibilities, they are communities. the establishment and of PAs through local level unable to implement them management of new, NRM committees. due to poverty. protected areas

3.1. To provide an enabling By 2008 review and revise The Forestry Policy was An assessment of policies Review policies and policy, institutional and socio- policies as appropriate, revised in 1996 to align it and legislation dealing legislations to promote economic environment for including use of social and with the Environmental with protected areas economic valuation and protected areas. economic valuation and Management Act. (2002) revealed that the incentives. incentives, to provide a Implementation of the Forestry Act appear not to Revise the Forestry Policy supportive enabling policy is supported by the have been adequately and Forestry Act to environment for more National Forestry harmonized with the strength issues of law effective establishment and Programme, which Environmental enforcement and benefit management of protected adequately integrates Management Act sharing. areas and protected areas biodiversity conservation. particularly with regards systems. Furthermore the to issues relating to Ecosystems and declaration and revocation Biodiversity Strategy Action of forest reserves and Plan strengthens the environmental impact position of forestry assessments. There is also department in integrating need to harmonize the biodiversity issues into Forestry Act with Land Act, forestry management plans the Electricity Act, the and programmes. Local Government Act and The National Parks and National Parks and Wildlife Wilidelife Policy was also since their provisions affect directly or

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities revised in 2000 to align it otherwise forestry issues. with NEP and EMA. The The National Parks and National Parks and Widlife Wildlife Act has provision Act of 1996 was amended to declare any piece of to include aspects as land as PA but the act is collaborative management. silent on whether the These instruments communities should be provisions for promoting consulted before an area some kind of incentive is declared a national park. measures mainly through Resources use programmes and Revenue sharing.

Community NRM Programmes have instilled sense of ownership to communities and this has reduced to some extent encroachment into PAs. 3.2. To build capacity for the By 2010, comprehensive Capacity building in PAs is Inadequate financial Conduct a capacity needs planning, establishment and capacity-building programmes an ongoing programme. resources for formal and assessment and develop management of protected areas. and initiatives are informal training. capacity building Further information on PAs implemented to develop programmes for local management is shared Lack of appropriate knowledge and skills at communities. through national and programmes for capacity individual, community and

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities institutional levels, and raise international workshops building of the local professional standards and conferences. communities. 3.3. To develop, apply and By 2010 the development, Limited Progress Inadequate financial Document all relevant transfer appropriate validation, and transfer of resources and human technologies appropriate technologies for protected appropriate technologies and capacity. for protected areas. areas. innovative approaches for the effective management of protected areas is substantially improved, taking into account decisions of the Conference of the Parties on technology transfer and cooperation. 3.4. To ensure financial By 2008, sufficient financial, The recent inclusion of PAs are a priority area for Use the economic sustainability of protected areas technical and other resources Climate Change and the government; hence valuation developed by PEI and national and regional to meet the costs to effectively environment as a priority they are not adequately to lobby government on systems of protected areas. implement and manage area in the MGDS will funded through the the value of PAs in national and regional systems facilitate resource national budget. economic development of protected areas are secured, allocation through the and justfy more including both from national National Budget. Government funding for and international sources, PAs. Malawi Environmental particularly to support the Endowment Trust (MEET) needs of developing countries and Mulanje Mountain and countries with economies Conservation Trust (MMCT) in transition and small island provides a sustainable developing States. source of financing for

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities management of PAs. Mulanje Mountain Endowment Fund continues to support implementation of the management plan for the Mulanje Mounain Forest Reserve. There is an opportunity to establish an endowment fund with support from the GEF for the management of the Nyika Transfrontier Conservation Area. 3.5. To strengthen By 2008 public awareness, In line with Environmental Inadequate financial Harmonize communication communication, education and understanding and Education and Awareness resources to implement and public awareness public awareness. appreciation of the importance Strategy the Department of public awareness programme between and benefits of protected areas Forestry and DNPW in programmes. DNPW and Forestry is significantly increased collaboration with NGOs Department. such as WESM, CURE, MMCT, MEET and the EAD run awareness campaigns covering a wide range of subjects through Radio, TV programmes, leaflets and other public education

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities materials. PAs management is integrated into tertiary education system (Malawi has college of Forestry and National Parks which trains staff in PA management). 4.1. To develop and adopt By 2008, standards, criteria, Limited progress Limited capacity and Update the National minimum standards and best and best practices for planning, financial resources Forestry Programme to practices for national and selecting, establishing, include standard and regional protected area systems. managing and governance of criteria for PA governance national and regional systems and ensure that IUCN of protected areas are guidelines for protected developed and adopted. areas management are integrated. 4.2. To evaluate and improve the By 2010 , frameworks for Limited progress. Despite Limited human and Conduct a national wide effectiveness of protected areas monitoring, evaluating and the limited progress financial resources. effectiveness of management. reporting protected areas Forestry Department is in management of protected management effectiveness at the process of developing areas using appropriate sites, national and regional criteria and indicators for tools. systems, and transboundary sustainable use of forest protected area levels adopted biodiversity. and implemented by Parties 4.3. To assess and monitor By 2010, national and regional Limited progress Inadequate human and Develop a national PA

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Goals Target Progress challenges Priorities protected area status and systems are established to financial resources monitoring systems with trends. enable effective monitoring of full participation of protected-area coverage, stakeholders. status and trends at national, regional and global scales, and to assist in evaluating progress in meeting global biodiversity targets 4.4 To ensure that scientific Scientific knowledge relevant Ecological monitoring Limited human and Promote collaborative knowledge contributes to the to protected areas is further research in MMCT is financial capacity. research in PAs. establishment and effectiveness developed as a contribution to generating results that are Conduct research need of protected areas and their establishment, facilitating decision making assessment and prioritise protected area systems. effectiveness, and on management of research needs in PAs. management Mulanje Mounatin Forest Reserve.

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